Cobourg Mayor Lucas Cleveland makes candidate contribution statement

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I have been inundated by concerns from residents regarding the revelations surrounding donations made to the 2022 campaigns of current Council members. Particularly those of both Deputy Mayor Nicole Beatty and Councilor Adam Bureau. Both received, as their largest campaign contributions, $1200 dollars each from the Balder Family. (Husband and Wife). These are the developers responsible for the controversial 2nd Street, 8 storied development behind Victoria Hall.

Let me be clear that there is nothing whatsoever illegal or illicit as has been referenced to me numerous times over the last few days with these donations. They were disclosed on both Candidates Financial Expense Forms as is legally required. There is nothing in municipal law to prevent these types of donations. It is up to individual members of Council how, or if, they choose to disclose this information beyond their filed election finance forms.

Nor do any members of Council have to recuse themselves from voting on development matters that involve their individual donors. To some this may be abhorrent, but it is still fully allowed. It should be highlighted that Councilor Bureau recused himself at our last Council meeting regarding the 2nd Street Balder development.

As Mayor I have zero authority over these issues nor do any Town Staff. I would suggest any concerned citizens reach out to the individual members of Council in question for any possible information you may be seeking in a respectful manner.

Also, with the recent announcement of Max LeMarchant running for Mayor, I would like to clear up many of the misconceptions I have heard in the last few days. Developers/Builders and anyone connected to these important industries are fully free to seek public office. There are no restrictions for them doing so. Also, the recent revelations of Mr. LeMarchant’s donation largess, as the largest single donor by total dollar amount in the last election to 5 of the current members of Council (Myself and Councilor Bureau excluded) is perfectly acceptable. Mr. LeMarchant is free to support any municipal Councilor through his donations that he wishes within the confines of Ontario Municipal election rules. Regardless of his profession as a Builder/Developer. Mr. LeMarchant’s choices in who and how much he gave or will be giving this election (within the rules) is his own private business.

Mayor Lucas Cleveland