The Inappropriate Darren Hill

Typically I don't comment on civic issues. However, this race and in particular the actions of one existing city councillor is concerning me.

The councillor's seat for Ward 5 in Saskatoon became vacant when Gord Wyant became the Sask Party MLA.

The by-election is set for November 29th/2010. There are six candidates running for seat.

The problem is that existing Ward One councillor Darren Hill is actively campaigning for one of the candidates, Ainsley Robertson.

Not only is it absolutely inappropriate for an existing city councillor to be actively campaigning for any candidate, but Darren Hill is using his city issued cell phone to promote Ms. Robertson. Those phones are meant for city business only, and NOT to campaign for candidates!

His latest communique was posted on Facebook and was sent as an email to Robertson supporters and friends;

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Darren Hill
11:52pm Nov 16
CALL TO ACTION! We need to getpeople in Silverwood, Lawson Heights and River Heights out to vote this Saturday for Ainsley Robertson – for ward 5 City Councillor.

Advance Poll voting is available at Lawson Heights School, 430 Redberry Road, on Saturday, November 20 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

I do not want to go into details in print as to why this election is so important on so many issues. If you care to discuss it please call me at 227-4322.

Please contact 10 people in the ward (everything north of Circle Drive) and make sure they vote on Saturday.

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This isn't the first time Darren Hill acted inappropriately during an election campaign.

The question I ask is what Hill expect of Ms. Robertson if she wins? How will he be perceived by the new Ward 5 councillor if Ms. Robertson loses. Will his electioneering affect future governance by city council?

The City of Saskatoon needs to take immediate action against councillor Hill and his egregious actions.