LETTER – Solution for Sarai’s concerns about non-profits is to recuse himself
Although The Armchair Mayor is my favourite read each day, a couple of other on-line news sites are also on my list. One of them is “Infonews”. Written by Levi Landry and published on January 31/24, there is an interesting article that involved a local City Councillor and the comments made regarding the granting of money to non profit groups.
The article carries the headline “Non-profits critical of council shouldn’t get funding: Kamloops city councillor”. The first two sentences read, “A Kamloops city councillor is unhappy that some non-profits are critical of city hall, so he suggested they stop getting public funds.
“Coun. Bill Sarai said he’s ‘uncomfortable’ with voting to give out grant money to groups that might disagree with decisions made around the horseshoe.”
What could possibly be fodder for a full length essay could be shortened to a simple suggestion, Mr. Sarai. If you feel that way about being criticized by non profits, the proper thing for you to do is recuse yourself from discussions and voting.
For the others who are mature enough to accept criticism and yet still be able to have an open mind, please remain behind and represent the citizens of Kamloops to the best of your ability for the betterment of the community.
JOHN NOAKES
Citizen of Westmount
ArmchairMayor.ca 
“His proposal that staff examine the “messaging” from those groups and see which ones are “swaying their members” was shot down by councillors Stephen Karpuk and Nancy Bepple.”
Councillor Sarai wants to turn Kamloops into Turkmenistan. To this, I, Turkmenbashi, say that there can only be one Turkmenistan.
But Mr. Sarai would certainly be welcome here, as he exhibits the natural tendencies that we look for. I extend a passport, safe passage and employment at the Ministry of Truth to Councillor Sarai and his family. Just say it, and it shall be done.
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What’s worse, that he actually thinks this or that he actually said it out loud?
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I believe this is quite serious in addition to being an imbecilic comment to make in public as a council person.
It implicates a member of council as wanting to leverage funds to influence the decisions of a third party. To influence a recipient of funds into only positive comments toward council or silence (neutrality). It’s tantamount to buying political support. Even saying this in public, and Coun. Sarai has done, would lead a recipient, or potential recipient of council funding to question the consequence of speaking critically of council, in the past, present or future, and/or their ability to receive funds in the future. I am left astounded that this commentary was volunteered by the councillor.
To anyone on council with an ounce of integrity, as council has prevented the public from filing a formal complaint, please consider filing a complaint against Coun. Sarai. I believe these comments constitute a breach of the code, specifically articles:
2.1
(a) Council Members shall serve and be seen to serve their constituents in a
conscientious and diligent manner;
(b) Members shall be committed to performing their duties and functions with
integrity and shall avoid improper use or influence of their office, and conflicts of
interest;
(c) Members are expected to perform their duties in office and arrange their private
affairs in a manner that promotes public confidence and will bear close public
scrutiny; and
(d) Members shall seek to serve the public interest by upholding both the letter and
spirit of the laws of the Federal Parliament and British Columbia Legislature, and
the laws and policies adopted by Council.
3.23 Without limiting the foregoing, and in addition to the obligations set forth in the
Community Charter, a Member shall not:
(b) attempt to influence in any way a decision, recommendation, or action to be
made or taken by any other person or body,
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Behold the proclamation from the Royal Council:
All ye in receipt of gold from the Kingdom must display fealty at all times, and in all interactions within the fiefdom, speak only the golden gospel of the wise and noble King!
Between peasants and farmers, only praise for the King may emanate from your lips, lest your gold be reclaimed and you and your family are thrown in the dungeon!
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An incredible revelation as to the inner machinations of Coun. Bill Sarai! Mr. Sarai seems to suggest that taxpayer funds only be issued to entities with the expectation that they do not criticize council! That seems highly controversial to state in an official capacity!
It seems to speak to the fact that if you disagree with council, you will not be looked upon kindly. That is probably a part of why council is so biased in their dealings with the public.
Oh boy.
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Exactly!
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