Bratina cleared over Murray confrontation

Hamilton’s integrity commissioner has cleared mayor Bob Bratina.

The mayor was being investigated over a verbal altercation with city manager Chris Murray. Bratina was accused of threatening Murray during a heated city hall meeting.

Their interaction provoked this outburst from councillor Jason Farr: “You’re being awful nasty. Awful nasty.”

The exchange took place at an April council meeting where light rail transit was being debated. Some observers suggested Bratina had intentionally intimidated Murray in response to a presentation he made about LRT. But the integrity commissioner said while Bratina’s outburst was angry and inappropriate, it was not threatening.

Bratina apologized to Murray, and the commissioner said that was also a factor in the decision.

This is the second time he’s been investigated, but the first time he’s been cleared. In 2012 the commissioner found Bratina violated council’s code of conduct when he gave his chief of staff, Peggy Chapman, a substantial raise and then misled council, saying it was requested by human resources.

The full report on the current investigation will be made public tomorrow. When it is, Bratina will make a statement before city council.