Deputy Mayor Sheldon Forgette says he'll ask city councillors to re-appoint him to the District of Nipissing Social Service Administration Board (DNSSAB), after being tossed for missing too many meetings.
See: Forgette forced off social service board, claims abuse of power in ouster
"I think it's a petty matter, to be honest. I'll bring my records to council and ask council to re-appoint me to the board, and hopefully they accept," Forgette told BayToday.
He believes the DNSSASB board will have to accept his reappointment.
"It's the municipality that appoints the members. If they don't want to accept my records from the phone company showing that I called in, and I was there for the consideration of the meeting, then it's just shady on their part.
"I have the records to show I conferenced into the meetings and I'm shocked that they aren't willing to accept my records."
Forgette's promised action comes after a DNSSAB news release this morning, "on behalf of Mark King, District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board in response to certain media reports regarding Sheldon Forgette’s position on the Board."
It reads, "The removal of a member from the Board for missing three consecutive Board meetings is a directive of legislation under the DSSAB Act and not a personality issue as reported in some media. Current Board electronic and written records of the Board show three consecutive Board meeting absences. The Board has received no information that disputes these records. "
It cites the legislative requirement that was triggered.
"Relevant DSSAB Act section: (4) If a member who was appointed by one or more municipalities becomes ineligible to hold office as a board member, fails to attend three consecutive board meetings without the board's authorization, resigns or dies before the end of his or her term, the council or councils that appointed the member shall appoint a new member to serve for the remainder of the term."
The release ends with, "There will be no further comments on this issue from the DNSSAB."
Forgette's first chance to reclaim his seat will come next Tuesday when council holds its next regular meeting.
Forgette's name remains as a board member on the DNSSAB website and there is no mention of his dismissal.
