No apologies as Kamloops mayor renews beef in face of continued sanctions

The mayor of Kamloops is again digging in his heels after council considered whether to extend sanctions against him.

He issued an open letter on Jan. 14, rejecting the findings of a conduct investigation and reiterated his refusal to sign apology letters.

The $61,000 investigation was completed last year, but Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson said council was considering whether to extend his 10% pay cut.

“They want to hide behind closed doors and take measures against me,” he told iNFOnews.ca “It’s just unbelievable. They want me to sign them and it ain’t going to happen.”

It’s one of many conduct investigations to result in demands for apology letters and pay cuts for Hamer-Jackson. Each time an investigation concludes and wrongdoing is found, council releases a report and announces sanctions it imposed, if any.

This one probed his attempt to use a slideshow at a business gala that depicted homeless people and social issues in Kamloops.

The slideshow was abandoned, but the investigation found he still breached council’s own code of conduct and provincial privacy laws.

In his letter, he said the matter was turned into a “manufactured controversy” because news media learned of the kiboshed slideshow before it was ever discussed with him. He also asserts he did nothing wrong and did not intend to breach anyone’s privacy with the images.

“I will continue to tell the truth. I will continue to stand up for the residents and businesses of Kamloops. And I will continue to lead with integrity, regardless of attempts to undermine or silence me,” his letter concludes.

It’s not clear what council decided in its closed meeting, but it’s unlikely they voted to reinstate Hamer-Jackson’s salary while he continues to oppose council’s conditions.