Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley has stepped down from the Police Services Board.
In a lengthy letter to city council, Bradley said he believes the board leadership is making decisions it is not empowered to make, and which are out of the eye of the public and the media without public notice.
"It wasn't an easy decision," said Bradley. "Over the years I've enjoyed being on the board, enjoyed being chair but the secrecy and the spending that's occurred in the last six months is just incredible. And twice, I've raised these issues publicly and twice I've been threatened with a Code of Conduct complaint because I voiced in public session concerns about spending at the police service by the Police Services Board."
Bradley said he was also disappointed to see the board reject a motion from city council requesting the Police Services Board hold its budget deliberations in open session, and that the board present more detailed budget documents going forward.
"The only reason that myself and the councillors are on the board is because we're elected, and yet they're saying you can't represent those views," he said. "Well, I was elected to represent the people of Sarnia and defend their interests as citizens and as taxpayers, and that's what I've been trying to do."
He said he will be voicing his concerns to the Solicitor General, suggesting changes to the Police Act as it relates to Police Service Boards.
"There's also a message for every mayor and councillor that sits on a police board across this province. Be very, very scared," said Bradley. "If this is the tactic being used here to shut down public speech and sharing an opinion, which you're entitled to do as a personal opinion, then there's something very wrong with the police act and the police act system."
Bradley has served on the board for over 35 years, including several as chair.
Sarnia city council will appoint a member to fill his seat.