There's no room for politics in the upcoming Beaches Lions Easter Parade, says one of its organizers.
In a recent E-News bulletin sent out by Ward 32 Councillor Sandra Bussin (Beaches East-York), she invited "all Beach Bunnies of good conscience" to join her in this year's Beaches Lions Easter Parade "to help demonstrate to the members of our 'fuzzy' minded city press corps that Sandra's small expenditure on a big, grey smiling bunny suit for one of the most family oriented events in the Beach is money well spent."
The parade's co-chair, Chris Yaccato, wasn't impressed.
"She should have consulted us first. We welcome her colourful floats and we enjoy having her presence (in the parade) but no political overtures at the Easter parade," said Yaccato, adding that the Beaches Lions Club is working out the situation with the local councillor.
"Her issues with the media, she'll have to face that and with respect to taxpayers, she'll have to face that too. There are some bruised feelings but everything should be fine."
In a letter to The Mirror, Yaccato wrote that he's "rather sickened that an experienced councillor would show such disregard and involve a non-partisan, non-political community event in her 'campaign.'
"I even question that Ms. Bussin would even want to address her expense account at such an event," he wrote.
"As co-chair of the Beaches Lions Easter Parade I am inclined to protest my disapproval and question her judgment (in) using the Easter parade as a political vehicle for her attack on the media."
Bussin said she's been in conversation with Keith Begley, the organization's president, about the concerns and that everything is being resolved.
The issue stems from publicity surrounding council purchases made through their office budgets and which raised questions about Bussin's purchase of two bunny costumes for the parade using hers.
"I make my own costumes at no cost to anybody. I've been doing this for 10 years," said Bussin, mentioning an Easter bonnet she also enjoys making year after year.
Bussin said that she hasn't received any negative emails about her colourful floats, adding that this year she's got a sponsor for whatever costumes may be needed for the March 23 event.
"It's a family-oriented thing and the largest Easter parade in Ontario. People expect the local councillor to be there and do something special," she said.
Further, Bussin pointed out that the integrity commissioner criticized Ward 2 (Etobicoke North) Councillor Rob Ford for failing to report his office expenses.
"I am open and transparent about what I do," she said.
Yaccato said that the Lions Club's focus is on getting the parade rolling and not on being bogged down with political controversy.
"We're expecting a big year. We're getting some new things going," he said, pointing to new groups that will take part in the annual event.