Mayor Peter Kelly knew that the CAO’s office was funnelling money through Metro Centre to Power Promotions, a city document shows. But Kelly did not alert the full city council of the improper practice, and did not speak publicly of the matter for the next seven months.
The document is a July 21, 2010 letter from then-acting CAO Wayne Anstey to Harold MacKay, president of Power Promotions.
“As per the meeting this morning between the Mayor and I representing HRM and you and Edgar, I hereby authorize the release by Metro Centre Limited of an amount of $400,000 to Power Promotional Events, Inc., in two installments of $200,000 each…” reads the letter. Edgar is Edgar Goguin, the president of Arrow Construction; Goguin provided private financing for Power Promotion’s 2009 Paul McCartney show.
The letter goes on to spell out the exact terms of the improper loans to Power Promotions (see the letter at thecoast.ca/bites).
As of press time Wednesday, Kelly has not returned repeated phone calls from The Coast requesting comment.
But some councillors are calling for Kelly to resign. “I think he should step down,” said Debbie Hum Wednesday morning.
“The mayor’s wearing this,” said Sue Uteck Tuesday night. “I told him he picks rotten concerts… he knew about this, he was there. Absolutely he should resign.”
For The Coast’s complete coverage of the Common concert financing scandal, click here.
Related Stories
Updated—Common concerts: by the numbers
Concert scandal rocks City Hall
A man against the people
This article appears in Mar 17-23, 2011.
Of course he was in the loop. He was at the meeting, he signed the document — there’s simply no way to claim ignorance. He should resign, as there is clearly something rotten in City Hall. Why else would so many CAOs need to go during his tenure? Having said that, I doubt the people here have enough gumption to force the issue, or to make any lasting protest. Like most other things in NS, there will be plenty of hot air and vapid opinions expressed on this and other sites, but no one will actually roll up their sleeves and work for change. So in that respect, Kelly’s behaving perfectly — he just needs to stall to save his skin, knowing full well that no one here will actually put in the effort to effect his ousting
1) Did Kelly know about the Jan 20 2010 advance of $400,000 for the Country Rocks concert ?
2) Did Kelly know about the 29 March 2010 advance of $500,000 to Halifax Rocks ?
3) Did Kelly know about the June 6 2010 advance of $600,000 for Halifax Rocks ?
Why did he not inform the council of the advances ?
“….he just needs to stall to save his skin, knowing full well that no one here will actually put in the effort to effect his ousting.
and therein lies the problem with our canadian culture, we are to used to handouts, looking to our government for direction, instead of taking to the streets. tax hikes after tax hikes, we complain amongst ourselvess, but refuse to do anything about it. We all too comfortable in our lives. Collectively as a people, city, country, we deserve what we get! Until Canadians wake the fuck up and learn from the examples playing themselves out over in North Africa, we are doomed to what we have!
disgusting – i hope this story does not die and mayor kelly is forced to own up to his fraudulent behavior. he has lost my trust forever.
Just the latest in the ongoing litany of Kelly Klusterfucks …. would somebody please put this man on a fast ferry back to Bedford.
Kelly says he’ll let the voters decide his fate. Well this voter has made up her mind and he should go. Is a plebiscite on the issue possible or an option?
Great session on CTV tonight Tim. Nice to see some reality and truth rather than political rhetoric coming from Steve Murphy’s guests!
I wonder how many power lunches, dinners, etc. were expensed against the “borrowed” funds to entertain the Mayor?
I guess James Taylor should rewrite his classic “Gonna tell you ’bout machine gun Kelly” !!!
I guess hoping for the Chili Peppers on the Commons is a bit of a dream right now 🙁
Here’s hoping there’s actually someone worth voting for this time around, then.
As for getting support from council for him to step aside until the AG’s investigation is over; listened to information morning this morning and the 2 councillors on the show, when asked if Kelly should step aside – too many issues that need dealing with and he is needed.
Wagons appear to be circled.
Basil – the Mayor cannot step aside. The legislation does not allow him that option and it spells out what he must do as Mayor. He stays and performs the duties of the Mayor or he resigns.
Unless you consider a leave of absence on medical grounds as acceptable.
I don’t.
Unless he suddenly claims to have lost his mind some time in the past 3 years.
Early Altzheimer’s may be a plausible claim.
Yes, he’s in the loop. He was one of the catalysts for these concerts and has been micromanaging them from the start. He’s in it over his head. For him to say he didn’t know is ludacrous.
just another political liar. man up and step down.
Just another political liar. Man up and step down.
Why don’t you check out his history while he was Mayor of Bedford.This recent “problem” is not out of character.
Leave it to idiots in Bedford and Halifax to still support this goof. Anyone that thought a Kid Rock concert was viable and worth investing in is not mentally fit to run this city.
Kelly’s e-mail: kellyp@halifax.ca . E-mail him this article and any other thoughtful comments you think he should read.