Tom Dyas leadership style - AI

An AI dive from a concerned Kelowna resident sums up the autocratic mayor Tom Dyas.

1. Leadership Style and Council Communication 1) Accusations of Bullying and 'Gag Orders': Ron Cannan accused Dyas of bullying after Dyas reportedly told him to "stand down on engaging with the media" regarding a notice of motion before it was debated. This stemmed from a leaked email from the mayor's office. 2) Controversy over Spokesperson Role: Dyas said that he alone is the primary spokesperson for official city business, this to ensure consistency and accuracy. The concept was challenged by Cannan, who said councillors have a democratic right to engage with the media. 2. Financial decision making: 1) A resident criticized the decision to use an Alternative Approval Process (AAP) rather than a referendum for the borrowing of $241.3 million for the new Parkinson Recreation Centre (PRC) and other capital projects.

2) Lack of Prior Quantitative Analysis: A resident questioned why a quantitative analysis report showing an itemized list of how the $242 million total cost for the new PRC was arrived at was not completed before council voted to hold the AAP.

3) Budget and Spending: Residents argue that the council needs to rein in spending and slow rising costs. This as the city incurs its largest debt ever for the new PRC. The increase in the number of city employees is outpacing the growth rate of the city.

3. Housing and Affordability Decisions. 1) Dyas continues the same housing policies as the Basran administration, which favour increasing housing supply 'no matter what', catering to their developer friends while ignoring affordable housing. 2) Affordability: Critics point out that while 3,400 housing units were built, a huge number are small studio and 1 bedroom units with high average rental prices between $1,500 and $1,700 per month, not including utilities. Focus on supply does nothing to help families that need an affordable place to live.

4. Transparency. 1) Residents question why nearby businesses and neighbours were not consulted before decisions affecting them are made. 2) Residents accuse Dyas of ignoring transparency and accountability.