Editor:
I have been following District of Sechelt politics over the last three years with dismay. I see no unity and no tangible outcomes being realized this term. I do see finger pointing by the mayor and his supporters. He has announced he will be running again in the next election and is already campaigning.
Our esteemed mayor attempts to get his way by crafting and proposing motions without collaboration with council or staff. One recent example, and they are legion throughout this term, revolves around the budget. Rather than work with council anticipating yearly budget deliberations and crafting direction to staff on budget reductions, he chose not to attend most budget meetings. After budget approval, he “came to the rescue” with a proposed motion to cut the operating budget. When council and staff asked for particulars, he didn’t have any. The motion was defeated. Via Facebook on July 26, he misrepresented what happened, attempting to portray the rest of council as against spending restraint.
His lone wolf mentality continually foments discord at city hall.
He doesn’t play well in the sandbox and continues to portray himself as the victim instead of the perpetrator.
John Henderson was previously chair of the Sechelt Chamber of Commerce where there was a continual revolving slate of board members who left rather than work with him. Since being elected, he has been banned from the SCRD and shíshálh Nation gatherings and meetings and yet continues to point his fingers at his fellow councillors and district staff as being the problem.
What’s the common denominator in this picture? It’s not everyone else.
The mayor leads two teams –– council and staff. Unfortunately, John doesn’t lead. When he doesn’t get his way, he blames anyone who questions or stands up to him. John, stop campaigning and learn to lead.
Darnelda Siegers
Former Mayor
District of Sechelt
