Holding an elected position is not a right. It is a privilege conferred by the public through an election. It comes with numerous benefits, including the ability to shape one’s community through council’s decisions and a platform to make a great impact on the community. It also comes with significant responsibility. Elected officials must hold themselves to a high standard of integrity and decorum in all interactions. These responsibilities involve representing constituents in the spirit of respect, integrity, inclusiveness and community building.

The views of residents of Ward 1 and of Pickering are publicly reflected by their public officials. We are embarrassed by Councillor Lisa Robinson's conduct - and the conduct of her supporters- on October 23, 2023. We live in a civil society where dissenting opinions should be encouraged while rules, regulations and decorum are respected. Yelling, speaking out of turn, accusations of bias and interrupting proceedings makes a mockery of our democratic processes.

As stated in the Integrity Commissioner’s report, if Councillor Robinson has legitimate concerns, she should seek out the appropriate avenues to seek redress. We agree. The failure to have another councillor second an unpopular or improper motion or being outvoted is not bullying, it is part of the democratic process. This is to be expected as part of the process of making decisions and policy for the municipality.

This petition is not about being punished for exercising the right of free speech or holding a dissenting opinion. However, the positions taken by elected officials are subject to public scrutiny since they make decisions on the public’s behalf. Councillor Robinson cannot expect to enjoy only the benefits of public office and reject its responsibilities.

Based on the whole of Lisa Robinson’s statements and conduct since being elected to office in October 2022, we now regretfully believe that she is not worthy to continue to serve the public in an elected role.

Councillor Robinson has shown that she is ineffective, cannot get results for her constituents, has created unnecessary distractions and damaged relationships with the public, staff and fellow councillors, She should step down so that council can get back to business.

We, the people of Pickering, call on Councillor Robinson to resign from council.