Image Credit: The Canadian Press (Drake), CFJC Today (Henry Braun), Taylor Creek Media / Dreamstime.com (Kendrick Lamar)

By James Peters

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DRAKE AND KENDRICK could take a tip from Henry Braun, so scathing was the municipal adviser’s report to Kamloops council this week.

The former Abbotsford mayor may not have the rhythm and flow for a proper rap battle, but he certainly has the ammunition.

Braun let Reid Hamer-Jackson have it with both barrels Tuesday, staring the mayor down from the podium in council chambers all the while.

It’s actually remarkable how quickly and accurately Braun assessed the situation at Kamloops city hall. Having only come onto the scene in February, he declared himself ready to write his report by April, so clear was he on the problems plaguing the Kamloops mayor, council and staff relationships.

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Quoting the report, “I found that when asked a specific question, the Mayor has a tendency to shift the focus/discussion away from the question. I have found that he avoids taking responsibility for his own actions or inaction, while expressing his opinions on a completely different topic.”

In this passage, Braun perfectly sums up one of the most frustrating aspects of communicating with Hamer-Jackson — keeping him on the topic at hand, especially when it relates to his own actions.

Braun goes on to use terms in referring to the mayor such as ‘reluctance to change behaviour or admit errors,’ ‘distrust’ of the administrative staff, ‘inflexibility in acknowledging his part,’ ‘dismissive and condescending.’

The adviser’s report was so clear in elucidating the problems at hand that even Hamer-Jackson’s supporters have had a hard time poking holes in it.

There were a few lame attempts to attack Braun’s methodology and credibility, but they failed to land.

Some have criticized the report for not giving equal attention to the role of the Council of Eight in the problems and solutions, but why should Braun do that when he literally says, “[T]he mayor’s approach is largely responsible for the issues, with minor contribution by councillors in reaction.”

When one party is causing the problems, why should other parties be responsible for solving them?

While Braun’s report may be rap battle-worthy, the mayor’s response should be more along the lines of Taylor Swift — “It’s me. Hi. I’m the problem. It’s me.”

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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.