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Former mayor concerned about district

I am writing in response to the allegations made by Coun. Greg Kyllo in a letter to the editor printed on Feb. 1 in the Eagle Valley News.

I am writing in response to the allegations made by Coun. Greg Kyllo in a letter to the editor printed on Feb. 1 in the Eagle Valley News.

In this letter he claimed that I ran an extremely caustic and negative campaign. What I did during the campaign was say only the truth. I tried to remind everyone what had happened the last time Sicamous elected a mayor with no experience, and the subsequent financial cost to the community.

I also maintained that, out of respect to one’s community, a candidate for mayor should have served at least one term on council.

Three years later we have elected another mayor with no experience. Mayor Darrell Trouton was quoted in the Eagle Valley News on Feb. 1, stating that, “it’s all about accountability. When we’re doing this stuff and we’re moving forward it’s all about accountability.”

Please Mayor Trouton and Deputy Mayor Kyllo, do just that and tell the people of Sicamous what these decisions  will cost the community and why these costs benefit us.

To Mr. Kyllo, prior to and even after the election, I met with you on several occasion, as I also did with the newly elected councillor, Terry Rysz. During our conversations I tried to be helpful and answer any of your questions concerning the community and the role of council. This was done in good faith, and at no time during these conversations did you mention that you thought I was running a caustic and negative campaign.

Another  point for Mr. Kyllo to ponder should be his attendance at the election party hosted by my wife Deborah and myself. You accepted my hospitality; however, at no time did I or anyone else who attended that night recall you having concerns mentioned about the campaign. It appears that the reason for the comments in the paper about me were made to deflect from the tough comments made during my recent television interview questioning recent personnel changes at district hall.

I am here to say that I will not be bullied, and that your deflection and personal attack on me is not acceptable. So Mr. Kyllo, do not make any more random comments and unfounded accusations. I will not allow the reputation I worked so hard to build in this community to be tarnished by your negative, misleading comments.

That being said, I have disclosed my concerns to the mayor and council in an open and transparent manner. For further information on these questions and concerns, I urge the people of Sicamous to request a copy from the mayor and council.

I do not wish to use the media as a platform any further as suggested by Mr. Kyllo.

I do apologize to those that feel my conduct has not been appropriate; however, I hope you understand I only have the best interest of the citizens of Sicamous, a community that we have lived in and loved for the last 35 years.

It has been an honour to serve Sicamous as a councillor and as your past mayor.

Malcolm MacLeod