Dear Editor:
Monday night’s council meeting told it all. This was my first attendance at a Burnaby city council meeting. I went to support a passionate group of concerned citizens who were lobbying the mayor and council to contemplate the possibility of a new Burnaby Art Gallery.
I had heard rumours of the arrogance and rudeness of our mayor, Derek Corrigan, and frankly never believed them. However, that night I experienced it first hand.
It began when his lordship entered the room. Apparently, the appropriate action is that everyone stands when he enters the room. Who knew?
May I suggest that the clerk (who was present) take the time to educate gallery members to that effect in advance of the meeting so everyone can have a sense of comfort and well-being, since the mayor was visibly piqued when we did not rise for the occasion of his grand entrance.
The meeting went downhill from there. As the president and delegation of the Burnaby Arts Council were in mid-delivery of their proposal, the mayor cut him off saying he had gone over the “time limit” and to move to the next delegation.
The gallery yelled out, “Give the delegation another five minutes.” With a typical smirk of superiority and a condescending look, he refused to budge.
We were shocked and aghast at his arrogance, and in defiance, we collectively rose and left the gallery.
To be fair, there was a counter on the screen and the mayor was fully within his right to shut it down. Imagine! Five minutes!
What was infuriating about this farce: The speaker/delegation following us was allowed to go overtime and ne’er a word was said. I would not for a moment say his worship was playing favourites, heaven forbid.
Thank you, Mr. Mayor, you have confirmed the rumours.
Roy Prevost, Burnaby
