LETTER – The many things that Coun. Bill Sarai didn’t apologize for

Apologize for what?

“I am here today to apologize to my colleagues, to the residents of Kamloops and to my family.” Is it just me or is there a name conspicuously absent? That’s a serious question, after all, Coun. Sarai created a scene in the mayor’s office, blamed the mayor for being the instigator, convinced council and admin (not a tall task), that he, Sarai, was nothing more than an innocent victim of the mayor’s ill-tempered bullying behaviour, which in turn was the basis for council to kick-start multiple accusations, complaints and investigations directed at the mayor.

Turns out that was all BS. One might say that everything after the “Sarai Storming” was the fruit of the poisonous tree. Kelly Hall’s prepared declaration that this incident had nothing to do with any of the following alleged incidents was noteworthy; how he could make such a comical statement with a straight face considering all the evidence to the contrary over the past couple of years, wow, bravo Kelly, that was an outstanding performance. The “Sarai Storming” incident was the genesis of the manipulation and downward spiral of Reid Hammer-Jackson’s tenure as mayor and Sarai can’t even muster up a whoops a daisy.

Sarai later states that “Recording my conversation with the mayor was not illegal, but was unprofessional and unacceptable.” How about unethical and dishonourable, they seem to be the more appropriate adjectives given the political venue.

Sarai further states that once confronted “I was truthful to the authorities but not to the mayor. For that, I apologize for lying to you, Mr. Mayor.” My initial question is, if not confronted by the police, just how long would Coun. Sarai have continued with this charade, seems like his come to Jesus moment took place as soon as the police knocked on his door.

He’s not apologizing for secretly recording a colleague. He’s not apologizing for diminishing the mayor politically or personally. He’s not apologizing for ridiculing the mayor publicly such as when he stated the mayor was “paranoid and delusional,” thinking his office was bugged. He’s not apologizing for initiating the yelling match and he’s certainly not apologizing for the subsequent allegations, suspensions or investigations which followed in part due to this incident. He’s not apologizing for wasting hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars on investigations, lost investment opportunities, diminished staff productivity or for generally nurturing an atmosphere of negativity, making Kamloops the laughing stock of the country. Think about the potential of lost investments the city has seen pass by, who would want to invest in this city given the political climate?

Oh, but he is asking for sympathy because his mental health has been “profoundly affected by the ongoing stressful environment.” How the hell do you think the mayor feels; all the attacks and investigations have been directed at him over the past two years, ever given a thought as to how he or his family feel? The dude actually lit the fire and now he’s asking for forgiveness. What quality of candidate in the future can we expect to contend for the mayoralty considering the snake pit council has become?

You’ve defamed, ridiculed, embarrassed, shamed and diminished the mayor politically and personally. This is not just any mayor, but a very popular and quite obviously litigious mayor with a rabid following ready to fight for him. Go Fund Me initiatives are currently being discussed to aid in litigation costs for a future defamation case on behalf of the mayor.

People are fed up with politicians of any stripe for a whole host of reasons but particularly those politicians who oppose their designated saviours. RHJ is the perceived saviour for many locally and they’re not going to be placated with Sarai’s “this person brings out the worst of everybody,” excuse which he trotted out last week to Michael Potestio; that’s not contrition. This may be the end of a bad week, but I suspect many more are to follow.

MAC GORDON