Local newspapers, The Era, The Banner, The Auroran and Snap'd (which is published by Steve Hinder, coincidentally) continue to publish photos of Mr. Hinder at various local events, while ignoring the serious allegations that have been made about him in Newmarket Superior Court.
For those readers who are newcomers to this allegation, on the evening of March 20th, 2014, Steve Hinder is alleged to have hit PC member Anthony Pullano in the chest because he believed Mr. Pullano didn't support Jane Twinney. The strike was allegedly strong enough to put Pullano in the hospital.
Even though the newspapers don't want to report on the court documents, this blog carries on in pursuit of this story.
The Defendants' lawyer, Steven Stieber of Stieber Berlach LLP, has filed a four page Statement of Defence that is scant on detail.
We do learn a few interesting tidbits though.
Mr. Hinder is employed by Magna Inc. to manage community programs, which is well known. But he also works in Government Relations (also known as a "lobbyist") for Stronach Group, which I don't believe many people in the public know about.
When Mayor Van Bynen, Regional Councillor Taylor, Councillors Bisanz and Broome-Plumley received 2014 campaign donations from Stronach Group, this was "$ Lobbyist Money $."
It is well known that Stronach Group is involved in Horse Racing. What may not be so well known is that Stronach Group also is involved in the business of real estate development - according to the papers filed in Newmarket Court.
Newmarket residents need to ask why are four members of our Council consorting with and accepting campaign money from a lobbyist pushing for real estate development interests? Are these Council members representing the interests of their constituents or have they been conspiring with a lobbyist with very deep pockets and working on behalf of the land developers?
The statement of defence also reveals that Mr. Hinder was at the Newmarket-Aurora PC nomination event in support of Jane Twinney, who was acclaimed as the PC candidate that evening. According to Elections Ontario, the Stronach Group made a large donation to Jane Twinney's MPP campaign. (Although the Stronach Group did not donate to Ms. Twinney's municipal campaign).
On the allegation that Mr. Hinder punched Anthony Pullano in the chest causing the defibrillator that was surgically implanted in his chest to malfunction, Hinder denies it. According to Hinder, he merely shook hands with Pullano.
The statement of defence does not provide an alternate explanation of what might have struck Mr. Pullano, and that is going to be a challenge for Hinder's lawyers. Pullano can provide evidence of being struck in the chest, and the resulting consequences are indisputable. Pullano suffered a life threatening event and needed emergency surgery to save him. By claiming he simply shook hands, Hinder is asking the Court to take a chasm-like leap of faith to believe that Pullano fabricated his version of events.
The statement of defence denies that Mr. Hinder has a history of bullying and aggressive behaviour. Various members of the public will probably want to weigh in on that claim.
The next steps in a typical court case will be discoveries and typically these happen soon after the statement of defence is filed. The lawyers for both sides will begin deposing Pullano and Hinder - and perhaps others at some point over the next couple of months.
Members of the public who are interested in reading the actually Statement of Claim and Statement of Defence filed with Newmarket Court can request a copy for $10 at the Yonge/Eagle Street Courthouse referencing case # CV-15-121907.
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