Yorkregion.com - Vaughan - Frustaglio next in line
Frustaglio next in line
Vaughan
May 22, 2008 11:27 PM
By: Caroline Grech
Vaughan Regional Councillor Joyce Frustaglio is the latest member of council to have her 2006 election campaign finances audited.
Councillors made the decision Tuesday after deliberating behind closed doors.
Among the items councillors considered during deliberations was confidential legal advice from an outside lawyer.
The request to audit Ms Frustaglio came from Vaughan residents Raymond Plouffe and Carlo De Francesca.
The request for an audit on Ms Frustaglio came fresh on the heels of Mr. Plouffe succeeding in having an audit ordered on former mayor Michael Di Biase.
Among Mr. Plouffe and Mr. De Francesca’s allegations is that Ms Frustaglio accepted donations from associated companies.
Under the Municipal Elections Act, companies can only donate a maximum of $750 to a political candidate.
Carlo De Francesca asked council not to accept any more material from the regional councillor.
“By accepting her documents, you are assuming the role of the auditor,” Mr. De Francesca said prior to council heading into their in camera deliberations.
Robert Howe of Davies Howe Partners, who is representing Ms Frustaglio argued his client should have the right to defend the issue to council.
“I think it’s a rather extraordinary proposition that allegations can be made in the form of an affidavit and the candidate would be unable to respond to the allegations. I think it’s a startling proposition,” Mr. Howe said.