As Surrey Mayor Doug McCallum remains silent about his public mischief charge and refuses to step down from the Surrey Police Service Board, a New Westminster city councillor is speaking out.
Mary Trentadue said she and others are advocating for the creation of a municipal integrity commission.
“Unfortunately what’s happening in Surrey is a perfect example of why we need a municipal integrity commission,” she told Global News.
“The mayor in Surrey is being investigated. He is continuing to sit as mayor. He is continuing to sit on his police board, and it really degrades the opinion that the public has of elected officials. It’s quite a farce.”
Last week, Global News reported on police Information To Obtain (ITO) documents in the mayor’s investigation, which began after McCallum told RCMP his foot had been run over during a confrontation with demonstrators outside a Surrey supermarket.
Those ITO documents were unsealed following a Global News court challenge.
In part, the documents state: “McCallum provided a version of events that has been partially disproved based on the statement provided (by driver Debi Johnstone) … and the video surveillance obtained from the Save-On Foods.”
Johnstone has also released a statement disputing the mayor’s version of events.
“I am the victim that Mr. McCallum falsely accused September 4, 2021,” she said. “I remain steadfast in my original statement of innocence. I’m unable to comment further at this time.”
Safe Surrey Coalition councillors have remained silent about recent revelations.
“I won’t be commenting now or ever about ongoing matters before the courts,” Coun. Laurie Guerra told Global News.
“I will not be commenting on an issue that is before the courts,” echoed Coun. Doug Elford.
Councillors Allison Patton and Mandeep Nagra have not responded to recent requests for comment.
“At this point there is absolutely no accountability for mayors and councillors doing their work,” Trentadue said.
She added that that she has met with a number of provincial ministers about a municipal integrity commission, and remains hopeful it could become a reality.
Surrey Mayor Doug McCallum is scheduled to go to trial Oct. 31. None of the allegations have been proven in court.
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