Former Richmond warden takes leave of absence from Liberal office

The former warden of Richmond County, Steve Sampson, has taken an unpaid leave of absence from the Nova Scotia Liberal Party office to deal with the expense scandal that has ensnared him and the county's chief administrator.

Liberal officials confirm Sampson made the decision on Tuesday. Sampson, who is currently a municipal councillor in Richmond,was hired by the Liberal caucus in January 2015 as an outreach officer.

Richmond CAO Warren Olsen announced this week he is now on medical leave to deal with substance abuse.

Both men were targeted in the provincial ombudsman's report, which chronicled excessive spending on alcohol. It also raised questions about possible "double dipping" on meal and mileage claims.RCMP have since confirmed they are investigating.

Calls to postpone election

Residents of Richmond County, including Dr. Robert Martel, are calling on government to postpone the upcoming municipal election.

Floyd Porter also believes it's the right move.

"I would support postponing the election, you know until everything is cleared up," he said.

However, the province isn't biting. Municipal Affairs Minister Zach Churchillsaidhe doesn't "see any benefit of impeding the democratic process in Richmond County at this point."

The minister saidgovernment is waiting to see the outcome of the final ombudsman's report and RCMP investigation.

"There is obviously some issues of grave concern, serious issues around expenses," said Churchill.

Municipal Act review

Churchill's department is focusing on a review of the Municipal Government Act. He saidexpenses will be a key part of those discussions.

"We want to make sure that there's conformity across the province and that our standards of transparency and accountability are at the highest level, which Nova Scotians expect and demand from public officials," he said.

Churchill saidthe recommendations from the municipal review will be made public in the spring.