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However, he admitted Brown gained valuable information as an office employee that inevitably could be used against him on the campaign trail.

“He knows my weaknesses. Anyone close to me would. He knows if there are issues I haven’t been able to deliver on,’’ he added. “No matter what you do or where you work in an office, you know people who are unhappy with you. You will develop certain relationships.”

Brown declined repeated requests for an interview, insisting he would only answer questions submitted by email. I explained in a voice mail that dealing with the media was an essential part of a councillor’s job, that he would need to be accountable and accessible if he ever hoped to be a successful politician.

Insisting still that questions be submitted via email, I relented and asked what he would say to anyone who considered his actions disloyal.

“My decision to run for Councillor for Rideau-Goulbourn was based entirely on my dedication to serving and representing my community. Having lived, worked and volunteered in the ward, I know that residents expect their Councillor to represent their interests at City Hall. I look forward to doing that, and ensuring we get better value for our tax dollars,” he wrote.

“Every four years municipalities across the province have elections and every eligible resident is free to put their name forward to represent their communities. That’s what I’ve done and I look forward to working hard for my residents and bring change to Rideau-Goulbourn.”

I still have questions for Brown about trust, loyalty and transparency in public service, and whether such values even have a place in politics today. But I won’t be sending any more of them by email. Hopefully, constituents will have their own questions during the campaign and maybe they’ll have better luck than I in getting answers.

Gibbons is former publisher of the Ottawa Sun. He can be heard weekdays, 1-3 p.m. on 1310 News.