It's not unusual for town councillors to get into heated debates with their constituents, but a dispute in Township of King ended up involving police.
A dispute between a council member and another man got so out of hand, York Regional Police had to be called.
“Surprised. Children and girls bite, not councillors,” says Nobleton resident Norman Mills.
That's how he describes the incident between himself and King Township Coun. Peter Grandilli that left Mill's arm with a large bite mark on it.
On July 11, the two bumped into each other at a local restaurant. Mills says he approached the councillor’s table and introduced himself. He wanted to ask why council hadn’t responded to his application to sell off a parcel of his land. Mills says he's been waiting more than a year and a half for an answer that’s supposed to take 90 days.
The retired senior wants to sell off some of his property next to his house because he needs the money.
After the fight, Grandilli was taken to the hospital and York Regional. Police charged Mills.
“I can say that the man who did remain at the scene was charged with aggravated assault causing bodily harm,” says YRP Const. Andy Pattenden.
Grandilli wasn’t charged.
Mills says he lashed out at Grandilli after the councillor allegedly swore at him and his wife.
“I hit him first,” he says. “I did not intend to hurt him just to shut his potty mouth up and it worked, because he used his mouth to bite me.”
Grandilli told CTV News off camera he had no comment on the matter other than he regrets the incident. Mills says he's not sure what his next legal move is.
“I don't know,” he says. “I haven't seen a lawyer yet. I can't afford an expensive lawyer.”
Mills and Grandilli will see each other again on Aug. 8 – that's when they're scheduled to discuss the matter in a York Region courtroom.
