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By Mel Rothenburger

ARMCHAIR MAYOR

ROTHENBURGER: Leave their families out of it when criticizing City councillors

Mar 20, 2023 | 4:45 AM

THERE’S NO LONGER any doubt, is there, that the current City council is the most dysfunctional in the history of Kamloops?

There’s plenty to complain about, and we do. We’ve all got our favourites to point fingers at.

But, sadly, a lot of folks insist on making it personal. Instead of challenging councillors on what they say and do, there are those who just can’t find it in themselves to stick to the issues.

I speak, of course, about a certain sub-set of society that makes a hobby and a habit of being mean. They feel it necessary to toss what they obviously believe are clever nicknames and biting insults at those who were elected.

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Thus, Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson’s name is altered in unpleasant ways and his operation of a used-car lot is stereotypically mocked as somehow being an unworthy occupation, as if it impairs his ability to represent them.

And Coun. Dale Bass, in the thick of the controversy, is called some pretty nasty names.

But the worst stuff is when the trolls bring family into it. Take Coun. Katie Neustaeter, for example.

Her detractors have taken to making sly references to her father, who happens to be Kevin Krueger. Krueger, in the past, was a controversial figure himself, which is to be expected of someone who spent many years as an MLA and cabinet minister.

Maybe those who disparagingly make the connection between Neustaeter and Krueger could explain what it has to do with how Neustaeter votes and speaks on civic issues. Never mind, I can tell you — the answer is absolutely nothing.

Similarly, remarks are being made about relatives of Coun. Bill Sarai, with sly insinuations about Sarai somehow using his influence as a councillor. Such influence is impossible; such insinuations are ludicrous.

By all means, criticize council members for the job they’re doing; I certainly do. But let’s stop the over-the-top nastiness and leave family out of it.

I’m Mel Rothenburger, the Armchair Mayor.

Mel Rothenburger is a former mayor of Kamloops, alternate TNRD director and a retired newspaper editor. He is a regular contributor to CFJC Today, publishes the ArmchairMayor.ca opinion website, and is a recipient of the Jack Webster Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award. He can be reached at mrothenburger@armchairmayor.ca.

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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.