Re: “Kaslo council ousts Mayor Greg Lay as RDCK rep,” February 6
After seeing the news item in the Star, I have to reply, as I believe some of the facts weren’t stated fully.
As stated, I did appear before council as one of 40-plus names of supporters of Mayor Greg Lay who wanted the Kaslo council decision (to remove Mayor Lay as the representative of Kaslo to the Regional District of Central Kootenay board) overturned.
The issue, as I see it, is that the decision to remove Mayor Lay, was based on whether Mayor Lay was “too busy” and that his obligations were not being met. In my opinion, this option (that would better serve the representation of Kaslo at the regional district) is incorrect.
Mayor Lay has served the Village of Kaslo with unflagging enthusiasm and total commitment to promoting activities which lend themselves to the economic, environmental and cultural well being of the Village and on the Regional District of Central Kootenay board, as the Village representative.
Relieving Mayor Lay of the RDCK appointment, is a slap in the face, as for the past four years Mayor Lay has effectively cooperated and collaborated with other RDCK reps and removing him and substituting Councillor Jim Holland was a poor and divisive action of the three councillors who voted for this decision.
While I appeared before council, I read a prepared statement in support of Mayor Lay. Within that statement was a letter from another concerned citizen, who like me, has similar concerns and much more sincerely stated.
The gist of that letter states that we, as citizens, “must demand transparency and accountability” from council and there must be an air of cooperation and collaboration between council members, if we are going to move forward as a community.
I will be receiving written responses from all councillors explaining their decisions and when I do receive these responses there may be another newsworthy report.
John Addison
Kaslo