Council passes a Code of Conduct, sans dress code
By Bill Rea

There is now a Code of Conduct in place for King Township councillors.

Council last week approved the draft code prepared by Township staff, with one major deletion. The draft included details on a dress code for councillors, comparable to the one concerning municipal staff. But it was cut back.

Councillor Jack Rupke had previously asked staff to add dress code provisions in their draft, pointing out councillors represent their community and should look that way.

But Councillor Cleve Mortelliti was almost indignant in his opposition.

"I don't feel too comfortable with being told how to dress," he declared.

Mortelliti said he could understand certain standards being set for staff and the way they dress, but argued the people who elect councillors should be the ones to judge them.

"I have my own idea of how I should present myself as a member of council," he said, adding if that idea is deemed inappropriate, he can be judged at election time.

But Rupke countered they represent both staff and taxpayers, so councillors should be prepared to dress better than staff.

Mortelliti didn't like the notion that councillors are supposed to look "superior" to staff, indicating that dressing well doesn't signify much.

"I think this is a slippery slope," he remarked. "There are Enron executives wearing suits and ties."

He added he didn't dress up when campaigning in last falls election because he wanted to connect with residents.

Mayor Margaret Black attempted to end the debate, observing whole issue is subjective.

"I have no idea how were can police it," she commented. "I think we have to trust the good judgement of members of council."

The draft from staff acknowledged that Fridays are considered casual days around the Township offices, as far as dress is concerned.

"Business attire that is casual and yet professional is appropriate," it stated. "Unacceptable items include torn jeans, T-shirts and sweat shirts with inappropriate designs and wording, recreational/casual shorts, excessive shoulder and midriff baring attire and flip-flops; also scruffy, torn or dirty clothing is unacceptable."

"I was not elected on my dress code," Councillor Bill Cober remarked, although he agreed staff is expected to display a certain amount of professionalism and councillors should show some leadership. It was he who suggested the dress code provisions simply state "neat in appearance and well-groomed."

"It's doesn't need to go beyond that," he observed.

But Councillor Jane Underhill thought that was going too far.

"I don't like dictating the way we dress is the way to go," she remarked. "I see no benefit to this at all."