Mayor Linnsie Clark addressed media and supporters in front of city hall on Wednesday. (CHAT News)

By Eli J. Ridder | @EliRidder

UPDATED

Medicine Hat mayor launches legal action in effort to reverse council’s sanctions

Mar 27, 2024 | 1:56 PM

Medicine Hat Mayor Linnsie Clark on Wednesday revealed she is using legal action to attempt reversing city council’s decision to take her powers away, saying she expects the case to reach court by summer.

“I do not agree with the decision of council and I am seeking judicial review,” Clark said as she addressed supporters and the media in front of city hall.

“That process will take several months and I will stand by that decision,” Clark continued, adding she hopes council will vote to its sanctions voluntarily before the city uses taxpayer money for legal fees.

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Council voted unanimously to remove Clark’s ability to chair meetings, set the agenda and other mayoral duties on March 21, saying she broke its code of conduct.

The sanctions, including cutting half her pay, were based on the findings of a third-party investigation by Kingsgate Legal into her treatment of City Manager Ann Mitchell at an August 2023 public meeting.

As her legal process gets underway, Clark said she remains dedicated to working on behalf of residents.

“I intend to do the work that Hatters elected me to do alongside my council colleagues within the limitations council has imposed on my role,” Clark said.

Over 50 supporters listened to her address in-person Wednesday morning, with many of them cheering Clark on and asking questions after her speech concluded.

Clark on Wednesday also posted 47 pages of files that show messages sent to the Kingsgate Legal investigator, administration staff at the city and her colleagues on council.

The documents posted by Clark revealed Mitchell at one point threatened to sue Clark for defamation over the Aug. 21 meeting and a confidential email sent to council.

READ MORE: Here are the documents released by Clark

In the letter the investigator dated March 14, Clark’s lawyer wrote about several incorrect statements included in the report, six days before council sanctioned the mayor.

‘Reconciliation is always possible’

Mayor Clark said there is an opportunity for council to work together despite the sanctions from her colleagues.

“Reconciliation is always possible, I believe that effective leadership is finding a way to learn from mistakes and to bridge divides and heal wound, not exacerbate or run from them,” Clark said in her address.

“We have enough existing division as it is. I believe a better way is possible, it’s time to overcome divides.”

Clark added she’s “not perfect” and “there’s always room to grow and improve.”

“This is also an opportunity for us to work together as council colleagues to ensure we all have a common understanding of what good governance is. I hope that my council colleagues will reverse their decision voluntarily,” the mayor said.

“But regardless, my message to them today is, let’s get back to work together for the betterment of this amazing community.”

There was not a public response from council or the city to Clark on Wednesday.