File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Doug Collins

One Man's Opinion

COLLINS: Do only the people who suck up to council get help?

Feb 2, 2024 | 6:00 AM

AND THE PHILOSOPHICAL DEBATES CONTINUE as Kamloops council’s Living and Sustainability Committee discussed the question of giving money to groups who are critical of city decisions. According to the story on InfoTel, Councillor Bill Sarai said he was uncomfortable giving out money to groups who don’t like council’s policies.

The city was discussing the splitting up of some $20,000 in climate funding between 16 applicants. One of those groups is Transition Kamloops, who has criticized council for not opposing a plan by Fortis B.C. to extend the use of natural gas in the province. Climate change activists want more time and money spent on better alternatives to gas and have publicly said so. Other groups have suggested a slower and more cautious approach.

I get where Councillor Sarai is coming from. It hurts when you’ve made what you believe is the right decision, and someone dumps on you. It’s tough, but you have to take the higher road. Unless the criticism is so blatantly incorrect or contains libelous or slanderous remarks, let them go. Criticism is not a bad thing. It can prompt groups like council to rethink their positions and maybe even change them.

My criteria is such — is the group legitimate? Are they following the rules pertaining to non-profits? Do their sources have some sort of credibility? Does their criticism seem well thought out? If they tick off the boxes, give them the funds.

I don’t like criticism any more than Bill Sarai. I’ve had personal threats against me over the years, personal attacks based on my appearance, and it goes on and on.

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But let me close with two scenarios:

● Applicant Number 1 goes to the city and gushes over how great the city is, how they want to work with the city and move the city forward. Council says, “Well, they need the funds, they seem to to be nice people and they’re not critical of us. Let’s give them the money. “

● Applicant Number 2 thanks the city for the grant but criticizes the city for not doing more, and for supporting a controversial proposal the non-profit says is harmful to the environment. Council says, “Well, these folks have brought some concerns forward and maybe we should look at them, but you know, they criticized us, and told us we need to do more, and if they can’t be appreciative of our largesse, we should withhold the money.”

A narrow-minded approach will not move us forward, so let’s suck it up, listen to the critics, and vote for what we think is right, whatever that decision might be.

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.