There's an expression that goes: "Never pick a fight with someone who buys ink by the barrel."
Chief administrative officer (CAO) Kevin Ramsay learned this lesson in spades last week, proving that he needs some serious media training.
A firestorm of controversy brewed in print, radio and online this week after an apparently damning report was posted online over the state of Squamish's fire department.
The story would no doubt have received very little attention if Ramsay hadn't demanded the journalist reveal his source and remove the story or face legal action - despite the fact that absolutely no laws were broken.
It is a highly unusual move that became a lightening rod for the media, and we have no doubt many municipal managers across B.C. shook their heads at Ramsay's actions while reading the Vancouver Sun's story this week.
The term "loose cannon" could apply to both individuals in this situation, but whereas one man is an independent writer with a penchant for commenting within his own news stories, the other is a very well compensated professional paid to represent Squamish in the best light.
And it's clear the public furor could have all been prevented if Ramsay hadn't forgotten himself.
He should not have attempted to intimidate a member of the media simply for posting a story online that reflected poorly on Squamish council and someone on council needs to say that.
Instead, we see the acting mayor responding by circling the wagons, only sinking us deeper into a bush league status.
Corinne Lonsdale told the Sun Ramsay saw council being attacked so he responded - as though this was appropriate behaviour.
It needs to be stated unequivocally that it is unacceptable for the town's CAO to attempt to coerce the media.
Ramsay and Lonsdale contend the story was inaccurate and it misrepresented the fire department, but they refuse to say how, insisting that the damning document revealed online is confidential.
First off, when serious accusations are levelled questioning the integrity of an individual's professional conduct, proof must be put forward. Otherwise the district may find itself responding to its own accusations - of slander.
And just because the district deemed the document confidential does not mean the public does not have a right to see it.
The Community Charter stipulates that a government can withhold information only in three areas: over property sale negotiations, over personnel matters and over legal issues such as lawsuits.
An internal audit commissioned by the district, paid for by taxpayer dollars, highlighting issues that directly affect the population - safety and insurance rates - clearly falls within public domain.
There's no doubt that Ramsay has a difficult job to do, and it would be much easier to do it outside the glaring spotlight of public scrutiny, but that is just simply not the case.
Ramsay needs to learn to navigate the stormy waters of public scrutiny and media pressure with more finesse and with just as much loyalty to the public he serves as to the council he works with.
- Sylvie Paillard
