Editor:

Your editorial of Nov. 23 asked for details to be released concerning Sechelt council’s sanctions against Alice Lutes. It is clear why Lutes did not sign the release until Nov. 28. It must be embarrassing for her and is cringe-worthy for the citizens of Sechelt that one of their councilors, who took the oath of office, committed a crime.

Lutes cannot claim naiveté, since this is her second term in office. She knew that by law, in-camera meetings are held behind closed doors if they involve labour, legal or land issues. But she insists that the punishment does not fit the crime.

Since she broke the law, it could have been turned over to the RCMP, but council did not take it that far. Instead, Lutes makes the ridiculous claim that she was “framed” by Mayor Henderson, even though it was incumbent upon him to disclose her infractions once found, otherwise he would have been legally liable as well. And it was up to the entire council to decide on a course of action.

I was also shocked and disturbed by news reports in the Lower Mainland media a mere two days after Lutes’ gross indiscretion was made public. She organized her story for the media quickly and portrayed herself as the victim, even though she is the one who broke the law. We, the public, must also be mindful that the whole story may never be known as we are only provided with the emails that were not deleted.

Yes, after listening and reading all the hyperbole, the punishment does indeed fit the crime. In fact, it may err on the side of leniency. It is unfortunate that council did not put it to the courts instead of merely releasing her from committee duties.

Laura Davis, Sechelt