Pat Morton speaks out on 3rd Thapar Censure Motion

Update #1 (Wed July 18th) - I had one individual suggest that I now support the actions of Sushil Thapar over Mary Sjostrom in regards to speaking out on human resource issues or finance issues.  When I applaud the general theme of Mr. Thapar's actions -- open/transparency, I can not support how he goes about it on a personal level and on that - I still support the actions of the clear majority of Quesnel Council.  When it comes to finance/human resource issues -- there is a clear place for those discussions, that is "In-Camera" or in private meetings between elected officials and not through the media...

I ran the story because it is political news in Quesnel and my readers' decide how they feel about it by commenting on or not commenting on the story...

I trust that this makes my position clear as it relates to the recent list of stories involving Sushil Thapar - SBF


Original Blog Post:


Courtesy of QuesnelNews.com:

Thapar apologized to the mayor, council and the public for his unprofessional comments in the June 29th edition of the Cariboo Observer

Thapar censured and sanctioned by council at last nights meeting

It appears the council members that do not agree with Thapar’s open dialogue
with the public are doing whatever they can to keep some of their “dirty work”
from becoming public. This is the third time council has tried to put a muzzle on
Thapar but as Thapar says he was elected by the people to represent the people and
he will continue to bring financial and important matters forward.

What has he done that has made the mayor and the rest of council so angry?

1. Thapar brought forth information about the city manager John Steyck that was provided to the council executive committee but withheld from Thapar and (former Quesnel City Councillor Ron) Paull which was crucial to their decision as to recommend hiring Steyck.
2. Thapar brought forth information about the spending habits of the mayor, city council and city managers.
3. Thapar questioned the city on how Steyck was paid when he resigned and the information provided to the public and media came from the response I received from the city on my (Pat Morton) Freedom of Information request.
4. Thapar backed up Human Resources manager, Muriel Wild when she was apparently fired and no information provided to the media came from in-camera meetings.

Any information Thapar provided to the public did not come from in-camera meetings which is what this council is accusing him of. At the meeting last night it appeared council is using in-camera meetings inappropriately. As these meetings are to discuss, land, legal and labour issues I don’t understand how they can criticize Thapar’s actions and berate him just because they are behind closed doors and they feel it is an open forum for any comments.

The mayor stated other cities have censured and sanctioned council members and referred to Prince George, Fort St John and Langley. When you review these situations you will see they do not compare to the reason for this council to censure and sanction Thapar.

Prince George, the council member provided in-camera minutes to the media, Fort St John it was stated the reason for the mayor’s problems was "unacceptable" conduct and demands that he not be left alone with any female member of the city's staff., and in Langley the Mayor provided some false information to the council.

I feel if the city council has a problem with their reputation perhaps they should look at their actions and instead of criticizing Thapar for his conduct. They should be emulating him as he is trying show how open and transparent they all should be.