'I stand with the mayor:' North Bay city councillors vote down motion to investigate mayor's expenses

A motion to have an audit take a closer look at the mayor's expenses in North Bay has been voted down by city council.

The motion, along with several amendments, was put forward at a city council meeting Tuesday night.

Mayor Peter Chirico is under scrutiny after it came to light that he charged some personal items costing $16,000 to the city's corporate credit card. During a press conference last month, Chirico said he's embarrassed by the charges and they have been repaid. He also called for the city's integrity commissioner to do an independent study on the issue.

There have been calls for the mayor to step down, not only as leader of the city, but as a member of the North Bay police board.

Chirico did not take part in the discussion at the meeting Tuesday night, but has said he feels he did nothing wrong.

"We really do need a fulsome review of what happened," Coun. Jamie Lowery said.

"So essentially, a fulsome look into what has gone on, what has transpired, have an independent look on it to ensure that there are no other issues related to these types of issues with purchasing cards within the organization."

But a majority of North Bay city councillors were against probing into the expenses further, with the motion being voted down 7-3.

"The damage to the mayor's reputation has already been done," said Coun. Gary Gardiner.

"Before making any other decisions or comments, let this report see the light of day. I stand with the mayor."

Coun. Mac Bain agreed, and said he couldn't support it.

"Our staff noticed there was an issue. They fixed the issue," he said.

Coun. Tanya Vrebosch pushed to have the motion passed.

"There's reasons why, there's something wrong, ethically wrong," she said.

"And it's bad. And you guys are all about to turn a blind eye and not let a process happen. There's questions still unanswered."