After Coun. Sushil Thapar blasted some of his colleagues for “misusing” taxpayers’ money, one councillor is stating the “facts are in the expense claims.”
Coun. Coralee Oakes says she takes Thapar’s accusations “very seriously” adding she felt it necessary to respond by “removing emotion and political posturing.”
“Stick to the facts,” Oakes said.
“In 2009 the Union of British Columbia Municipalities conference (UBCM) was in Vancouver – as it is this year.”
Oakes admits to staying in the Fairmont Hotel while Thapar stayed in accommodations at what he says were “a fraction of the cost.”
“What Coun. Thapar did not state is that my expense claim in 2009 at UBCM was $1,694.62,” Oakes said.
“Thapar’s claim was for $2,596.28 – the highest expense claimed [for that trip].”
Thapar said the reason his expense claim for last year’s UBCM was high is because he stayed for the entire duration of the conference “while Coun. Oakes did not.”
“They are showing what they want to show,” Thapar said.
“Which is why I have requested detailed expense claim forms. Information I was told I must wait three weeks for.”
Two weeks ago, when Thapar, the city’s finance chair, claimed some members of council were “greedy” and “only there to make money” he pointed to his colleagues staying in “five-star hotels” as a “prime” example.
Mayor Mary Sjostrom came back with a policy city council adopted in 2009 in which due to safety issues, “first consideration should be given to the conference location.”
In fact, the policy was pushed by Oakes after she witnessed a young man’s death after he had been brutally stabbed.
“I do not apologize for saying this event changed me and personal safety comes first,” she said.
Thapar pointed to his offer to walk councillors to their hotel. Oakes denied this, stating there are days at these events she does not see some of her colleagues.
Sjostrom again voiced her disappointment over Thapar’s decision to use the “media to voice his concerns” but said the “figures speak for themselves.”
Thapar agreed, pointing to his request for detailed expense claims.
“I have nothing to hide,” he said.
Sjostrom pointed to UBCM 2011, slated for fall, and her decision to stay in a hotel on-site, but not at the Fairmont. Sjostrom says Thapar’s chosen hotel is six blocks away and more expensive.
“I just hope we can put this to rest and get to work,” she added.
“We’ve had a very positive, productive three plus year at the city.
“This has disrupted council and the corporation.”
Thapar disagreed noting his decision to raise his concerns lie with accountability.
“The way Coun. Roodenburg [Laurey-Anne] went over budget and how it was approved is an issue,” he said.
“Money for our city is an issue, raising taxes is an issue and we need to be held accountable.”
