News
Councillor accuses Kitimat mayor of incompetence
Aug 4, 2010, CFTK TV (Read article on originating site site)
Local News
Tensions were high at last night’s meeting of Kitimat council as Mayor Joanne Monaghan’s leadership abilities were called into question by Councillor Gerd Gottschling.
Council recently agreed to set up a conference call with municipal consultant George Cuff to clarify the role of Mayor.
The move comes as Monaghan faces criticism for appearing in material promoting the Enbridge Northern Gateway project.
Last night, Gottschling provided a report by Cuff on the governance of Cold Lake, Alta. and noted Cuff’s credentials before launching into a prepared commentary on the ongoing infighting that plagues Kitimat council.
Gottschling placed the blame for council’s dysfunctional behaviour squarely upon Mayor Monaghan.
“My purpose is not to demean the Mayor in public. However, this does not mean that incompetence is to be tolerated. Doing so would be the death knell of our council.
“The leadership provided by our Mayor is weak and lacking. And although I hold the office of Mayor in high regard, sadly, the present Mayor is unable to give leadership and bring unity and vision to the council chamber. The Mayor is intolerant of opposing views and constantly interrupts councillors who voice the opinion of the voters they represent.”
For her part, Monaghan refused to argue with Gottschling in public but did say she found the suggestion she’s incompetent to be “quite interesting.”
However, Councillor Mario Feldhoff was clearly upset by Gottschling’s statements, saying other councillors should accord the Mayor the respect the office entails and attempt to work with her in the pursuit of common goals.
There’s no word on when the conference call with Cuff will take place.
~ Tyler Noble