GUEST COLUMN – Council repeatedly shows it’s not interested in our opinion
(Image: Mel Rothenburger)
By GARRY DAVIES
Guest Columnist
“WHAT TO MAKE of a diminished thing.”
As I read the recent report on Kamloops debt load per person, I found myself realizing that we might be missing the point about the nondemocratic ways of the current City council.
This City council has a four-year mandate but insists on casting the taxpayers into long term debt without asking us our opinion. This City council has demonstrated repeatedly that they are not interested in our opinion.
Considering this point, there are two important things I reflected upon. First, I thought about why I attend the Nov. 11 Remembrance Day ceremonies — not to freeze my toes or nose or the drama of the jets, but my family’s contributions to defending democracy. Second, I reflected on the incremental loss of our democratic rights.
In the past, I was elected to serve as a councillor on a City council. There were times when I didn’t feel that the public appreciated the long hours I put in, attending meetings I didn’t particularly enjoy. However, I never considered saying to them, “I do not want to hear what you have to say.”
I always believed that those who came to speak with me deserved respect, kindness, understanding and compassion. I could have stepped away from council at any time because I wasn’t crowned but I had given an oath to serve.
ArmchairMayor.ca 
The cok. Employees enjoyed their stat on Tuesday and then pretended there was no other day of the week that they couldn’t pick up recycling making triple time.120 dollars an hour. I have had my class 1 for 12 years. Everyday except Friday they can barely get back before 330 or later. When its Friday its a race to the yard at 2pm. All the pickups are lined up at 3pm at the gate. I know why my property tax get raised every year.
LikeLike
You say:
“It is apparent that Councillors Sarai, Hall, Karpuk, Middleton, Bass, O’Reilly, Neustaeter and Bepple do not believe representative democracy is a conversation. And isn’t listening a fundamental part of any conversation? By limiting conversation and only listening to the loudest or most convenient voices, what we end up with is not a democracy but a bullying dictatorship.”
My question to you is:
Why haven’t you included the Mayor in your list of people who, as you suggest, do not believe representative democracy is a conversation?
My observation is that the Mayor has difficulty with listening to others, and with taking accountability for his negative behaviour. This includes numerous confidentiality and privacy breaches.
LikeLike
Well the Mayor was and still remains the only member of council who has opposed the cancellation of public inquiries, this seems to be a good starting point.
What confidentiality and privacy breaches are you referring to? Perhaps you’re referring to the “Honchurak Report” which was mailed to him after spending the better part of a yr floating around newsdesks from an earlier leak? Remind me, was the initial leak ever investigated or was it just the Mayors which again, he received in the mail and didn’t know if it was an original or not?
Not listening to others, did you get this from the Braun Report which was initiated on the false pretence that he started an argument with councillor Sarai only later to realize it was Sarai who initially instigated it whilst secretly recording the conversation?
Sure the mayor has his warts and I’m sure most impartial observers believe he’s in well over his head but I’m also sure those impartial observers would agree that the 8 councillors have gone out of their way to diminish him and in the process diminish the city, it’s reputation and most of all, it’s citizens.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The numerous privacy and confidentiality breaches are catalogued and highlighted in this report to the Minister from the City:
https://www.kamloops.ca/sites/default/files/2025-06/February%2013%2C%202025%20Report%20from%20Council%20to%20Minister%20Kahlon%20-%20With%20Appendices%20for%20Public%20Release.pdf
Not listening includes the Mayor being asked to return personal information of others as requested by the City’s Privacy Officer, and ignoring those requests. Not listening also includes being asked not to reveal confidential information that puts the City at legal risk.
The Mayor is clearly a big part of the problem at City Hall.
LikeLike
How many times has the Mayor attempted to return public enquiries to regular council meetings? As in most other instances, he gets no seconder when he puts forth the motion.
1 against 8; the math is fairly simple.
LikeLike
Well said and puts things in perspective! …I hope after reading. Your column they are ashamed of themselves, and if not, no worries, we are ashamed for them. Lest we forget!
LikeLike
I agree with you 100 per cent ! Kamloops city council should Listen to there constituents . Have a referendum ! Why would they not… we are losing our democracy to a group of power hungry politicians ! They know Adam well they won’t be voted for !
LikeLike