The April 22 council meeting seemed typical: Prue passing the gavel, speeches guised as questions, confusion about whether motions were made, the difference between notices of motions and motions, personal anecdotes, windbaggery, and Deputy Mayor Gibb’s refusal to allow an audience member wanting to speak. I expected once again Councillor Crain would be the one to object. But what stood out was the preferential treatment of delegate Linda DiPasquale, who spoke for 8 minutes and 40 seconds. At no time did the mayor stop her after the procedural by-law mandatory 5 minute limit and ask for a motion to continue as required.

This wasn’t the first time a delegate was welcome to exceed the time limit. The Amherstburg Soccer Club’s delegation at council’s March 14, 2022 meeting was 18 minutes, followed by a 48 minute question and answer session with members of council and staff for a total of 66 minutes.