Non-confidence vote needed

Dear Editor: Penticton council should have an incamera meeting to deal with the issue of credibility of the mayor. An in-camera meeting would be suitable in this case as it is a personnel labor issue.

The mayor’s privileges as chairman and spokesperson for the city should be revoked by quorum of council for lack of confidence. The current financial scandal and the secrecy over the mayor’s solvency issues combined with the many combative issues such as lighting at the SOEC, the many issues revolving around the casino relocation including the subsequent uncovering of PIB involvement in the C=casino contract and the long dispute involving the courts on the future of Skaha Park and Marina all occurring during the mayor’s term of office are ample reason for Penticton council to take this step.

Faith between the public and council has been lost and council has a duty to restore confidence in their ability to govern. The unending controversy during the mayor’s term in office has caused a deep distrust and unrest in the community that can only be addressed by this council taking decisive action in this matter.

An experienced sitting councillor such as Helena Konanz or Judy Sentes should be selected to act as temporary mayor until the next election. Mayor Jakubeit could continue to sit at the council table until the next election, however, his abilities to direct staff City Hall; speak on behalf of the city or do other mayoral duties should be severely restricted. Leadership, writing cheques and the responsibilities of mayor should rest with an appointed councillor until the next election in November 2019.

Council has the right to take this action and lack of leadership on this issue will only heighten and restrict council’s credibility for all future decisions. It is too bad it has had to come to this. Elvena Slump Penticton