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By Doug Collins

One Man's Opinion

COLLINS: Old Willy no match for Kamloops Council

Jun 9, 2023 | 7:53 AM

WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE WROTE some of the best comedies ever performed. A Midsummer Night’s Dream, As You Like It, the Merry Wives of Windsor – just a trio of some of the funniest scenarios ever written. But sometimes the truth is the funniest scenario. The statement “you can’t make this up” would, I’m sure, prompt old Willy to concur.

The best comedy these days is performed in that room they call Kamloops council chambers. Councillors and the mayor going back and forth poking at each other.

Originally, Mayor Hamer-Jackson was at loggerheads with a solid front of council as they debated procedure, committee structure and just about everything else.

The jousting continues almost two-thirds through the first year of their term. And it’s gone on long enough.

Let me be blunt – I could find you a class of high school students who would do a better job of running this city than the group around the council horseshoe. No question about it.

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Every time the Mayor gets defensive, he uses the words “I’m just a rookie.” Mr. Mayor, you’ve played that card long enough. If you’re still a rookie this far in, you’ll never make the Show. Time to put on the big boy clothes and show us you can be a leader. I’m not seeing that so far.

And the councillors are, sadly, just as bad. I wondered how long this front would last, and it’s already starting to crumble. Every time something is said, especially by the mayor, every councillor wants to attack. Like a bunch of crows picking at the discarded french fries in a parking lot.

In essence, we have the classic fall of the Roman Empire scenario. Instead of a joint agenda, individual agendas are starting to emerge. We have at least two members of council, possibly three, who grandstand on every issue. I think it’s a bit early for you to start your mayoralty campaign, but that’s what it appears you’re doing.

At least a couple are just angry, and a couple more feel they have to comment just to keep up with the rest of the group and stay visible in the media. And a couple who don’t seem to know what the hell they’re doing.

And to top it all off, senior staff are being put on the front lines, almost as if they’re at the Inquisition. CEO David Trawin, Corporate Officer Maria Mazzotta and Jack-of-all trades Byron McCorkell have all been put in awkward positions during this debacle – and there is no better word for it.

I will say that there are a couple of council members who seem to be trying to keep things in perspective. Dale Bass, who has a quick wit and sharp tongue when she wants to use it (and I have been on the receiving end a couple of times) has been trying to keep things clean and confine most of her comments to governance issues, which is good.

Despite all the bickering and pontificating, some things are getting done. Whether that continues will be determined by a willingness to keep the so-called coalition together. But there are cracks starting to show, and they will only get worse if the grandstanding continues.

Maybe everyone should just shut up and focus on making our city a better place to live. It seems to me many on council are putting more effort into their personal agendas than the city’s.

It’s too bad Shakespeare scooped the best title centuries ago. Comedy of Errors is so fitting for our mayor and council.

I’m Doug Collins and that’s One Man’s Opinion.

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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.