May 13, 1999
Cops probing leak
Lastman silent on issue of wife's arrest
By ZEN RURYK -- City Hall Bureau
Mayor Mel Lastman dodged reporters yesterday as York Regional Police ordered an investigation into the unauthorized release of a shoplifting report involving his wife.
The usually publicity-hungry mayor refused interview requests following the revelation his wife, Marilyn, was arrested for allegedly stealing a pair of designer pants last month from an Eaton's store at a Vaughan shopping mall.
York Regional Police Sgt. John Sheldon said his force will investigate how a report containing details of the incident was released to the media.
Marilyn Lastman, 64, was not charged in connection with the matter.
"We release information with regards to charged persons, not non-charged persons," Sheldon said.
A spokesman for the mayor said Lastman was too busy with city council business to comment.
The issue came to a head on Tuesday when Lastman confronted CBLT-TV reporter Adam Vaughan in a public section of Toronto's city hall council chamber.
Lastman later issued Vaughan a written apology, saying his comments were "inappropriate in tone and language."
Vaughan said Lastman accused him of talking about his wife. "Leave my family alone. If you don't f---ing leave them alone, I'll kill you," Vaughan quoted Lastman as allegedly saying.
Lastman recently accused Vaughan of providing information to the satirical magazine Frank.
Frank had published a story about a politician's spouse who was arrested for shoplifting. The article did not identify those involved.
"The only connection to Frank magazine is they requested information from me and I told them as far as I was concerned politicians' families are off limits," Vaughan said yesterday. He refused to specify what information Frank wanted.
LETTER FROM CBC
Lastman's office released copies of a letter -- bearing yesterday's date -- from CBC regional TV director Bruce Taylor, which said the network appreciated how the mayor quickly apologized to Vaughan.
It invited Lastman to meet with senior CBC representatives to discuss "the ongoing relationship between you and the CBC Evening News."
Some Toronto politicians, meanwhile, rallied 'round the mayor.
Councillor Tom Jakobek said Lastman is sincerely sorry for the comments he uttered to Vaughan.
"I really have to tell you that I think the people of Toronto should leave it and allow the man to carry on his duties," he said.
Councillor Doug Holyday said it's up to the public to pass judgment on the mayor's actions.
"I don't know if I'd like to use the word sympathy, but you certainly always have a feeling for someone who, perhaps, has a problem in their family that is difficult."
And Councillor Brian Ashton said that when it comes to his family, Lastman is "protective and instinctive."
-- With files from Scot Magnish
More Information on the Lastman Incident
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