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Lack of confidence motion stands

Majority of council declines to rescind motion aimed at mayor

Council's lack of confidence in the mayor still stands.

At Monday night's council meeting Mayor Ted Adlem asked his council to reconsider a motion that was passed two weeks ago in which four councillors also disassociated themselves from any actions or statements made by the mayor unless there is a prior resolution from council.

Coun. Jenny Stevens, who introduced the motion, said the move was not a personal attack on Adlem, but "a measure of desperation" to address the manner the mayor has been interacting with staff, fellow councillors, and the public.

"He's carrying out actions that don't reflect the will of council," said Stevens.

Coun. Jeff Jewell said there was no reason to reconsider the motion, but is hoping to get on with municipal business.

Jewell explained that after the Feb. 17 council meeting, he met with the Adlem to say he wants to work together until the next election. Jewell also met with Coun. Dave Hensman and Larry Nundal later in the week and shook hands.

"Every single councillor around this bench has fault," said Hensman, who was the only one to offer an apology to the community.

"I like doing municipal business, but I hate petty politics and backstabbing," noted Nundal, who described the motion as "silly" because it has no merit.

He also accused Stevens of using choice words to create alarm in the community, but was quickly interrupted by Stevens herself and protests from the public.

Adlem ruled Stevens out of order and one member of the public was asked to leave council chambers after he refused to sit down.

Adlem finished off the discussion by saying, "It doesn't surprise me that you don't want to rescind this, and as a matter of fact, I'm happy that you don't want to rescind it because you've given me some freedom."

He explained he made nine public appearances during the B.C. Winter Games in Mission and spoke on behalf of himself and the community, but not council.

"It's time to move ahead," said Adlem.