The Town of Tecumseh has closed the investigation into a council candidate's pocketing of an opponent's campaign flyer.
Tecumseh has indicated that it won't take action against Ward 1 candidate Daniel Hofgartner, who was caught on a resident's security camera placing a flyer belonging to his opponent, Alicia Higgison, in his pocket.
"The Town was made aware of the incident, and with the permission of the affected property owner, referred the incident to the OPP," read a statement from the Town. "The OPP undertook an investigation into the incident, and the investigation has concluded."
On Saturday, October 8, Hofgartner was canvassing door-to-door with a campaign team member when he stopped by a home and noticed a flyer in the mailbox from Higgison's campaign. Hofgartner read the brochure, then pocketed it.
The homeowner posted the video on a Facebook group, which led Hofgartner to apologize publicly and personally reach out to Higgison. Speaking to WindsorNewsToday.ca, Hofgartner accepted full responsibility for his mistake.
"In a weak moment, I put it in my pocket, thinking I would read it later," said Hofgartner.
Higgison accepted Hofgartner's mea culpa. The homeowner allowed WindsorNewsToday.ca permission to post the video but declined further comment.
Ontario Provincial Police confirmed Monday afternoon that it had found no violation of any provincial election laws.
The Town has made it clear that all candidates must conduct themselves with integrity and respect during election campaigns.
"The Town is disappointed that this incident has occurred and prefers that candidates conduct themselves in a manner which is accountable to the constituency which they are seeking to represent in the 2022-2026 term of Council or School Board," read the statement.
Examples of unacceptable behaviour cited by the Town are removing or defacing campaign materials, or personal attacks on opponents, either to their face, through the media, or on social media. Such behaviour would classify as bullying or harassment under the Town's Council Code of Conduct.
Hofgartner, a realtor, is the only opponent of Higgison, the current chair of the Board of Trustees at the Greater Essex County District School Board. The Ward 1 seat is temporarily occupied by retired Tecumseh Fire Chief Doug Pitre, who was appointed after Andrew Dowie resigned to become MPP for Windsor-Tecumseh.
The election is Monday, October 24.
---with files from Adelle Loiselle
