LETTER – What was the purpose of releasing info about mayor’s office?

Posted on October 8, 2024 in Feedback, Letters // 4 Comments

The mayor’s door to current office. (Image: File screenshot, Politics Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo.)

Councillor O’Reilly and Council:

Upon listening to the council meeting today (Oct. 8, 2024), Councillor O’Reilly was asked why information from a closed meeting was discussed in the public (referring to the moving of the mayor’s office). He replied that it was based on a “communication strategy” that was discussed and agreed upon by Council.

Can I ask:
-What was the purpose of releasing to the public, this information about moving the Mayors office?

-What was the basis of this communication strategy and the ultimate goal for this information to be released?

– What “community benefit” was gained by grandstanding about this action being taken?

– As this was reported by the media far before O’Reilly’s media interviews, prior to it even being distributed, is there an immediate action being taken to find the source of the leak to ensure this does not happen again? If not, why not?

-If you know there are WorkSafe BC claims outstanding, what legal basis do you have for releasing the name of the Accused? Can you share your legal advice you received giving this approval.

The only reason that is evident why this would have been made a major story is to cause personal damage, defamation and embarrassment to the Mayor. On the surface, this is a prime example of bullying and harassment – because there was absolutely no community benefit to publicly making the statements that you did.If the media asked about it, the high road would have been to simply say”. No comment, ask the Mayor” rather than publicly making your statement about moving him to the basement which you all knew would simply just make a mockery of him.

I am not blind to the fact that our mayor makes his share of mistakes and oversights but I launch my concerns because of the approach this council has taken to this.Your prompt reply would be appreciated,

ARTHUR LORING

Pierre // October 9, 2024 at 6:51 AM // Reply

It is obvious that the campaign against this most unprecedented and unpalatable mayor is an ongoing preoccupation with council no doubt well supported by administrators. It is also without a doubt in my experience and opinion that the arrogance of this council coupled with the arrogance of the present CAO is unprecedented, unhealthy, uncalled for and unacceptable.

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bronwenbscott // October 8, 2024 at 9:16 PM // Reply

I’m getting sick of all the leaks. When will City Hall get the RCMP or Privacy Commissioner’s Office involved to investigate properly instead of paying a lawyer with no real authority or IT investigative skills $63,000 to find nothing except Coun. Sarai’s transfer of a confidential file to his home computer, which the lawyer then ascribed to “an error in judgment” on the part of the seasoned councillor. At this rate, we’ll never know who the leaker is, but maybe that’s the point.