Former Vancouver Mayor, Sam Sullivan, has shared his thoughts on the recent suspension of the city’s Integrity Commissioner, David Loukidelis. In an interview with CTV News, Sullivan described the situation as “a bit of a gong show.”
Loukidelis was suspended by the city council on Tuesday, following allegations of inappropriate behavior towards staff members. The suspension came after a closed-door meeting, where council members voted unanimously to suspend Loukidelis pending an investigation.
Sullivan, who served as mayor from 2005 to 2008, expressed his disappointment in the situation, stating that it reflects poorly on the city’s leadership. He also questioned the timing of the suspension, as it comes just months before the municipal election.
The former mayor also raised concerns about the lack of transparency in the process, as the details of the allegations against Loukidelis have not been made public. He emphasized the importance of transparency in maintaining public trust and confidence in the city’s government.
Loukidelis was appointed as the city’s first Integrity Commissioner in 2019, with the role of investigating complaints of misconduct by elected officials and city staff. He has not yet commented on the suspension.
The city council has appointed a temporary replacement for Loukidelis while the investigation is ongoing. The results of the investigation are expected to be released in the coming weeks.
This suspension adds to the recent controversies surrounding the city’s government, including the resignation of former city manager, Sadhu Johnston, and the ongoing investigation into the conduct of former city councillor, Michael Wiebe.
As the investigation into Loukidelis continues, the city council and its leaders must work towards rebuilding public trust and ensuring transparency in their actions. The citizens of Vancouver deserve a government that operates with integrity and accountability.
