London mayor Joe Fontana speaks to the media outside of the court house after being found guilty of fraud, breach of trust, and uttering forged documents. London mayor Joe Fontana speaks to the media outside of the court house after being found guilty of fraud, breach of trust, and uttering forged documents.
London

Fontana Writes Apology To Council

Former London Mayor Joe Fontana is apologizing to incoming councillors and those who sat beside him during his term as mayor, before his fraud and breach of trust conviction.

After serving four months house arrest the disgraced politician is now returning to everyday life.

"As this Council term closes I want to make it clear I recognize my legal issues and the final court outcome did negatively impact the city. I apologize. This was never my intention. Londoners put their trust in me as mayor and I let them down," Fontana writes in a letter published in London's Metro News. "I trust in our democracy, in the decision of the people and to that end I wish Mayor-Elect Brown and London’s new Council all the best. To the outgoing Council I offer my gratitude."

Fontana goes on to say that the letter is not for any personal vindication, but only for public record of apology.

He tells Metro News in an exclusive interview he sent the letter to City Clerk Cathy Saunders and asked to have it added to the agenda for the upcoming council meeting.

In June, Fontana was convicted of fraud under $5,000, breach of trust and uttering forged documents.

The crimes date back to his time as the Liberal MP for  London North Centre. Fontana used his expense account for a $1,700 payment to the Marconi Club in relation to his son's wedding reception.

 

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