Mayor feels abused, sickened by council actions

TERRY JAMES
Guest Commentary

As Mayor of the Village of Blacks Harbour, I wish to apologize to our guests who attended Tuesday night’s special meeting of council, for the conduct displayed not only by myself, but also by others as well. I am really struggling in getting council to work together, and it was obvious to all in attendance that our CAO and I do not get along, which is quite unfortunate. This situation has been brewing for quite some time, and I am at a loss in terms of how to deal with it. I requested a conflict resolution process, so what else do you do?
You wouldn’t believe what I’ve put up with for the past four years. For basically a volunteer position, no one should have to go through what I did Tuesday night, and many nights previous to that. The majority of the people in the Village of Blacks Harbour elected me, for a SECOND time, to continue to move our municipality forward. They have come to count on me for my frank and honest opinion and recognize and value my work ethic. People here know that I am a fair person, and if compelled, I am not afraid to speak my mind. To be screamed at and intimidated to the point of tears, no one should have to go through that! And it’s not the first time, but I can guarantee you, it was certainly the last time!
Do you know that when Councillor David Mahar lost control and started hollering at me, for a moment I thought he was going to hit me? I was abused by my ex husband and, briefly, I was back in my old place looking at an enraged lunatic and I was fearful for my safety. That flashback immediately brought on chest pain. If I was a man sitting in the mayor’s chair, do you actually believe he would have conducted himself in the same manner? Not to mention the CAO’s constant mutterings that were adding fuel to the fire.
Things escalated to a crescendo of sorts and even though I wasn’t sobbing, tears started to fall down my cheeks from anger and frustration. I developed pain in my chest, and became dizzy. I had to call an adjournment before I told some people what I really thought of them or before I dropped from a heart attack right then and there. I went into my office, staggered into the side of the desk bruising my hip, and tried to concentrate on calming myself so my chest would stop hurting. I realized if I dropped in there, I’d probably be on the floor a good long while, before anyone came looking for me. I just prayed to God for strength to get through this, and He gave it to me. Amazingly, I was able to return to council chambers and conduct the rest of the meeting, even though all I wanted to do was to leave. I am on blood pressure medication. After Tuesday night’s events, I plan on seeing my physician immediately; maybe on council nights I’ll have to double the dose.
Some people reading this would scratch their head and wonder why would this woman put herself through such an ordeal for $3,500 a year? I’ll tell you why. Because this municipality has to catch up with the times, and the “old days” and the stinking “old boys network”, and those “unwritten policies” and “unnamed sources” – that crap has got to go. I told them last night, and I’m telling your readers right now, they (meaning the CAO and council) will NEVER make me quit.
The last group gave it their best shot, and they weren’t successful, this group won’t be either. Despite the obstacles put in my path during my last term, I STILL was successful in fulfilling most of my election mandate. My most notable achievement was the $1.8 million MRIF for our infrastructure. Think of what I could have accomplished with a little help and co-operation. We, as a municipality, still have a long way to go. Councillor Murray spoke about leadership Tuesday night. I do agree leadership comes from the top. But apparently, in this case, only if it’s a man at the top, not a woman.
So, to those of you, the majority of the taxpayers here in the Village of Blacks Harbour, who put your trust in me and gave me your vote, please know that despite what you might hear on the streets, I will continue to work for you, and fulfill the mandate that you have set out before me. I encourage you to call your councillors and find out for yourself what’s going on down here. On May 12 I needed your vote, today I need your support and your voice.

Terry James is the mayor of Blacks Harbour.