Coun. Karygiannis drops appeal of compliance audit

By News Staff

A compliance audit of Coun. Jim Karygiannis’ 2018 campaign finances will go forward after the Scarborough-Agincourt representative decided he would drop his appeal.

The audit was ordered by the City of Toronto’s Compliance Audit Committee in July of last year at the request of Adam Chaleff, who calls himself a “fair elections advocate.”

According to the City of Toronto, his financial statement for the 2018 election showed that he exceeded the allowable spending amount by more than $25,000, leading to his removal as the councillor for Ward 22.

Karygiannis claims it was “clerical error” in paperwork.

“This audit is long overdue and must be conducted as expeditiously as possible,” Chaleff explained in a statement.

“Anyone who cheats to get elected should not have the privilege of serving on city council.”

Karygiannis was relieved of his position but reinstated in November following a ruling by the Superior Court of Justice. Chaleff has filed an appeal against the court’s decision.

However, should Karygiannis be found guilty of knowingly violating the rules, he could still be ousted.

“If, following a hearing on the merits, Mr. Karygiannis is convicted, the penalties set out … including the penalty of forfeiture of office would be available at that time,” the judge ruled.

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