Councillor Sarai’s apology is hardly a surprise.

After recording his conversation with the Mayor, he had numerous chances to come forward. He had 300 days to confess and apologize, yet chose not to.

A more skeptical view might suggest that his apology now; is nothing more than a reaction to being caught.

Even today, his apology feels hollow. Rather than owning up to his actions, he deflects blame, citing the stress and dysfunction within the Council, subtly implicating the “Mayor.”

Like Councillor Hall’s comments, his apology seems scripted-with both aligning in their remarks.

Hall wants the public to believe the recording had no bearing on the subsequent reports and disciplinary actions-yet trust in this council has reached an all-time low.

This city council has been secretive and opaque, and has consistently avoided accountability for its questionable actions. When individuals attempt to hold them responsible, they face ostracism, marginalization, and sometimes personal attacks to silence dissent.

Councillor Sarai will likely receive a mild reprimand from the council-a gesture aimed at optics-meant to appease the public, and restore some semblance of trust.

But the real issue is that Councillor Sarai is just a symptom of a more significant problem.

While the spotlight is on him now, the council as a whole is deeply flawed. They seem to have cultivated an elitist culture that believes they are above the rest-that only they know what’s best for Kamloops; and that they don’t need to take the public’s concerns seriously.

After all, they see themselves as the smartest people in the city.

They have built a fortress that allows only those who agree with them to prosper-while anyone who challenges them is ignored, or dismissed.

I genuinely hope Councillor Sarai seeks help for his apparent anger and mental health struggles. I’ve been on the receiving end of his anger more than once-but I’m always mindful of the source.

Kathrine Wunderlich, KCU