August, 30

th
, 2014

Attn: Cathy Saunders, City Clerk

Ref: Joe Swan

I would like to register a complaint about the actions of councillor Joe Swan. My complaint centers on his conduct following a
committee meeting held at London City Hall Tuesday August 26
th
. On Tuesday the President of Fanshawe made a request to
committee, in a public forum, to present to council on Tuesday, September 2
nd
a revised request for $9,000,000 to facilitate the
repurposing of Kingsmills. President Devlin was granted his request in a three to two vote. Joe Swan and Bud Polhill voted against
the motion.
Thursday, August 28
th
Joe Swan presided at a press conference held in Market Lane at 10:30 AM advertised by him through a press
release. It was at this time, standing in front of a Swan for Mayor billboard attended by Stephen Orser, he said he was going to
meet with Fanshawe President Peter Devlin to ask him to temporarily withdraw his request.
Section 21 of Chapter Five of the City of London Book of Procedures relates to committee conduct. Under the sub-heading Specific
Conduct it states that committee members are to fulfill the mandate of the committee. I fail to see how attempting to persuade
President Devlin to withdraw his request is respectful to due process. The political process is supposed to be an open and
transparent one. Councillor Swans approach to President Devlin was to encourage him to withdraw his petition. This is in direct
opposition to the vote by committee which gave President Devlin the okay to pursue his request to council.
Councillor Swan has on numerous occasions and in particular at his press conference referred to property owner Shmuel Farhis
properties as a viable alternative. His actions appear to provide special consideration to the landowner Shmuel Farhi. It must be
noted that Schmuel Farhi is also the landlord of the building at 409 Wellington St where Orchestra London has its offices. He was
also a contributor to Swans 2010 campaign. Joe Swan is executive director of Orchestra London. Mr. Swan has also been an active
lobbyist for Orchestra London. The repeated references to Mr. Farhi seem to indicate the possibility of pressure by Mr. Farhi for
Councillor Swan to promote the interests of Farhi Holdings.
During the press conference Mr. Swan also stated categorically that he knew Kingsmills had received an offer from out of town. This
information was provided in a manner to suggest that he had insider information regarding a possible purchase.
My complaint is specific to the fact that Councillor Swan has actively in a public forum, his press conference, shown a blatant
disrespect for due process by attempting to subvert the committee decision to allow President Devlin to pursue his request to city
council. I think it is fair to say that councillor Swan has violated both the spirit and the intent of the guidelines referring to specific
conduct.
Councillor Swan has not respected due process. Councillor Swan has shown a flagrant disrespect for all fellow committee members
by failing to respect the committee decision of the petitioner. In addition he has blatantly attempted to sway public opinion while
exerting undue influence and intimidation on the petitioner, President Devlin of Fanshawe College by presenting himself as
potentially Londons next mayor.
I believe by his actions Councillor Swan has acted inappropriately and has dishonoured his role as councillor and should be held
publically accountable for his actions.
Jonathon Bancroft-Snell
jonathon@jonathons.cs


Jonathon Bancroft-Snell Gallery-Galerie, 258 Dundas Street, London, Ontario, N6A 1H3