LETTER – The difference between transparency and airing dirty laundry

TO CITY COUNCIL:

I just read the city of Kamloops news release of Mr. Trawin’s departure. I have a question. Why did you air the City’s dirty laundry in public?

The statement mentions transparency. With the help of the internet I asked what’s the difference between airing your dirty laundry in public and transparency. Here’s what I got.

Great question—and no, transparency is not the same as airing your dirty laundry in public, though the two can overlap if boundaries aren’t clearly defined.

Here’s the difference:

✅ Transparency means:

• Being honest and open about relevant information.

• Sharing facts or decisions that impact others, especially when trust is important.

• Owning up to mistakes when it serves a purpose, such as accountability, growth, or building trust.

❌ Airing dirty laundry means:

• Publicly sharing private, embarrassing, or personal issues—especially when it’s unnecessary or inappropriate.

• Often done in emotional or reactive ways, which can feel like oversharing or blaming.

Being transparent is about stating specifically and sharing the facts on the issues

What specific factors made Mr. Trawin’s continued employment unsustainable and untenable?

What specific items negatively or adversely impacted Mr. Trawin such that he terminated his employment?

If you are unable to or won’t answer those questions then you’re not transparent and you’re just making it a personal issue in your statement.

The best outcome for all parties is let sleeping dogs lie and move on.

 You have gained nothing, except for embarrassing yourself.

To council why do you continue your vindictiveness behavior towards the mayor?

To the Mayor just be quiet and lead, follow or get the heck out of the way.

You’re all an embarrassment to this great City. Shame on you.

L.A. COOPER