PETERS: Hamer-Jackson passes a test by keeping simmering feud under wraps

There are bound to be hiccups. There will be fewer faux pas during the next meeting, then even fewer the next, and so on.

The big test came when Bob Hughes of ASK Wellness was called to the carpet to give a presentation on his organization and its operations.

Reid Hamer-Jackson may be the mayor, but he is certainly not the mayor of the Bob Hughes Fan Club.

Regardless, Hughes’ presentation was both passionate and well-received, with councillors asking relevant and respectful questions.

Hamer-Jackson himself asked a question about a third-party review of the organization and Hughes answered it honestly.

It was only later in the week we learned how Hughes and Hamer-Jackson were sending letters to each other via their lawyers.

Hughes asked Hamer-Jackson to stop defaming him and the mayor’s lawyer responded by asking Hughes to provide examples of said defamation.

A lot of sabre-rattling and staking out positions.

The fact that the mayor is squabbling with another city leader is not that notable. What’s more relevant is how they handle their personal beefs.

And yes, there is more onus on Hamer-Jackson to handle this properly as an elected leader with an added fiduciary responsibility to the entire city.

If Hamer-Jackson and Hughes can bury the hatchet and move forward, that’s great.

If they cannot, then it’s up to them to be able to compartmentalize their disputes into an area that doesn’t interfere with the business of the city.

Watching council this week, Hamer-Jackson and Hughes passed the test.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.

by James Peters