CALGARY’S GAFFE-PRONE MAYOR HAS THE RARE GIFT OF EVADING TOO MUCH TROUBLE.
Contretemps over Uber not first faux pas
It was, in the words of Calgary’s integrity commissioner, an act of dubiously ethical “hyperbole.” Thinking he was having a private conversation with a Boston Uber driver, Mayor Naheed Nenshi boasted about t he city ’s plans to thwart Uber’s criminal background checks by hiring sex offenders and violent criminals to apply to work for the service, and called the company’s CEO a “dick.” Little did he know, the entire exchange was being live-streamed.
Monday, Allen Sulatycky, the integrity commissioner, said Nenshi’s claims were untrue and sullied the good name of Calgary staff. The mayor apologized and the whole controversy fizzled out.
However, this isn’ t the first time he has talked himself into trouble.
Nenshi seems remarkable gaffe- prone, although he also has the rare gift of evading too much trouble or bad press for his free- wheeling ways.
NOT THE ‘ GODFATHER’
During the heated 2013 municipal election campaign — in which the mayor faced off against housing developers who would be happy to see the city’s suburban sprawl stretch straight into the foothills — Nenshi gave an interview to a local CBC affiliate.
In it, he criticized developer Cal Wenz el, referring to him as a “Godfather”- like figure. Wenzel responded with a defamation suit claiming $ 6 million in damages. The matter was settled out of court in 2015, with Nenshi saying he had not meant to imply Wenzel was the head of a literal criminal organization.
The financial settlement was never disclosed, but the mayor spent $ 300,000 in legal fees.
Although t he bill was paid by the city, he will have to reimburse it.
THE BIG CHU
Nenshi has a habit of making enemies. On a city council where the mayor has only one vote, just like other council members, this can oft be a liability as his relationship with conservative and outspoken counsellor Sean Chu shows.
Just one example: in a council meeting soon after the Uber incident, Chu decided to poke fun at the mayor. Their c onversa- tion included the following exchange.
Chu: “I have t he f l oor. Thank you. Thank you very much, chair. Are you done?”
Nenshi: “I am, but I will cut off your mic if you continue.”
Chu: “OK. Thank you. You know what? You should calm down a little bit.”
Nenshi: “Councillor Chu. I’m entirely calm. Please don’t ask me to call you to order.” Chu: “You’re shaking.” Nenshi: “Councillor Chu.” Chu: “Yes?”
Nenshi: “Thank you very much for your medical advice. We’re moving on now to the next speaker.”
‘ BLOTTO’
In January, 2014, Nenshi told a committee meeting he had received “multiple complaints of council members getting blotto at community events” and reports “of illicit substances in the workplace.” Several councillors objected, saying he should not make public accusations of that nature without evidence.
The fracas led half the council to denounce the comments and demand he apologize. Nenshi refused.
Some c o unci l l or s do have a late- night tipple of scotch in their offices, they conceded, but this was well within responsible use.
One counsellor, a Nenshi supporter, referred to “wild parties” in city hall offices — it turned out she was referring to an aide who got drunk at a Christmas party several years earlier.
Nenshi’s dissenting colleagues called the mayor’s comments irresponsible and said they had the effect of making them all laughingstocks.
A whistle- blower investigation did substantiate one complaint about a counsellor’s behaviour last year.
OFF HIS MEDS
Known for his Twitter presence, Nenshi cemented his historic 2010 mayoral victory in large part thanks to his open and straightforward manner on social media.
However, as every Twitterati knows, the medium can bring out the best and t he worst in people. In 2011, the mayor — who was known more for his affability than his barbs — got into a fight with a Twitter troll.
Blogger Werner Patels implored him to enforce bylaws and kick out protesters who had camped out in front of city hall.
“I know I should not bother when you’re off your meds, but I love how freedom of speech is now an extreme lefty issue,” Nenshi responded.
Needless to say, the remark was deemed unbecoming of a mayor, particularly by those who advocate for actual mental health issues.