Wallaceburg Coun. Jeff Wesley has declared a conflict of interest, when to comes to any matters related to wind projects in Chatham-Kent.
Wesley says he will refrain from any voting or discussion at council.
He said his rationale is due to his employer, Union Gas, recently merging with Enbridge, who has wind investments in other parts of Ontario.
“I value my immense dedication to both the residents of Wallaceburg and North Kent and my excellent long term employer, Union Gas,” Wesley said in an email to council, some Chatham-Kent staff, and the media.
“Given that I had also mentioned to many of you that I could not take a leading role in more recent wind project actions or motions but could still serve as a resource to council and represent local citizens.”
Wesley said North Kent council representatives Leon Leclair and Joe Faas “are more than capable” to take on a leading role.
“As a result of recent discussions with my personal legal counsel I will be declaring, going forward, a conflict of interest on any matters related to wind projects and refrain from any voting or discussion at council,” Wesley said.
“I sincerely regret that I have to take this action, but it is the correct decision and it is in the best interests of both my employer and the residents I represent.”
Back in August of this year, Wesley had called for a moratorium on wind turbine construction in Chatham-Kent, until the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change could conduct a proper investigation into the water well issue in the community.
Read more, here: Wesley calls for turbine construction stoppage
– Photo credit: Tami Eagen
