I was very disturbed by an interchange the View Royal all candidates’ meeting. Mayor Graham Hill was asked about percentage increases in the mayor and councillors stipends and expenses over a number of years.
He angrily retorted that the questioner was wrong and asked her if that answered her question. When she replied “no,” he sat down.
This after speaking earlier about listening to people, soliciting their views, getting the citizens of View Royal engaged with the town, and treating them with respect.
He was obviously angry and lost it. Perhaps the two have some history.
In my opinion his response was rude, insulting, condescending, inconsiderate and disrespectful.
In short it was an unforgivable act of rudeness, not worthy of one who wishes to continue as the leader of this community. For a moment I felt embarrassed for the town of View Royal.
Mr. Hill, I believe an apology is owed not only to the lady you insulted, but to our entire community.
Not to put too fine a point on the use of English: Your interlocutor, Mr. Hill, might have been incorrect or mistaken, but you were the one who was wrong.
Claude Mury
View Royal
Editors note: The questioner at the all-candidates meeting said Mayor Graham Hill’s stipend and expenses had increased by 42 per cent between 2007 and 2010. However, the Town’s finance department confirmed the increase was in fact 35 per cent.
Hill also told the Gazette that he personally repays stipends he receives for monthly travel to Nanaimo to participate in Island Corridor Foundation meetings. That re-payment is not necessarily reflected on his expense report.