Acting Mayor Backtracks on Official Shannon Tweed Day

Stephanie Kinsella
Wednesday, July 8, 2009

July 15th won't be Shannon Tweed Day here in the capital after all.

Acting Mayor Doug Thompson had initally said yes to the proclamation, set for when the Canadian born actress and partner of KISS guitarist Gene Simmons visited the capital next week.

But Councilors, including Jann Harder, balked at the idea. Harder says the honour should be bestowed upon people who live in the city.

While the acting mayor doesn't require the permission of council, Thompson says he didn't follow protocol and was only trying to attract visibility to the city and Bluesfest and formally apologized.

When asked if her past career roles had anything to do with revoking the proclamation, Thompson said he wouldn't discuss details, saying it was part of confidential in camera discussions. Tweed was crowned Miss Ottawa Valley back in the 1970's, starred in erotic movies and posed for Playboy magazine.

KISS is set to perform here in the capital next Wednesday.