An Orillia city council candidate has breached a city policy governing election conduct.
On Sept. 29, “staff became aware that Mr. Joe Winacott used the City of Orillia’s logo on campaign material,” noted a memo to city councillors from Kristine Preston, the municipality’s deputy clerk.
The policy states “no candidate shall use business cards, letterhead or any material imprinted with the municipal logo for election-related purposes.”
Additionally, Preston noted, the policy “stipulates that staff will advise members of council of any breach.”
Preston, in accordance with the Municipal Elections Act, directed Winacott to “cease circulation and dispose of any copies of this brochure immediately, along with any other campaign material displaying the city’s logo,” noted the memo.
“In order to preserve the public trust and comply with the provisions of the (act), it is essential that members of council, all election candidates and all city employees maintain the highest standard of ethical conduct throughout the election campaign period,” noted Preston’s report.
Winacott, a candidate for council in Ward 4, said he was “unaware” of the rule, conceding it was “an error” on his part.
“I was trying to make my brochure look as professional as possible and thought using the city’s logo — the place I am running for a council position — wouldn’t be an issue,” he told OrilliaMatters.
“I was wrong as it is defined in the handout (provided by the city to candidates) and I simply just missed it,” said Winacott, adding he has removed the logo from his brochure.
