Mary Polak questions why an allparty committee wasnt told of allegations long ago
BC's Liberal House Leader says while she's pleased a report listing numerous allegations of financial misconduct against 2 top legislative officials is now public -- Mary Polak also questions why such serious matters weren't flagged for an all-party committee long ago.
The 76 page report by Speaker Darryl Plecas about 2 top B-C legislature officials alleges financial misconduct in the millions of dollars.
Speaking on CFAX 1070 Polak says the committee should have been told:
" But reading the report one is left to ask why on earth would he have harboured these concerns for, it seems many months, maybe even the whole 2 months he has been speaker, and not once mentioned this to the all-party committee that has oversight for this."
Polak says another concern is that a trust has been broken with the public -- and politicians will have to work hard to regain that. None of the allegations have been proven.
Sergeant-at-arms Gary Lenz and Clerk Craig James were placed on administrative leave last fall pending the outcome of a police investigation. The men issued a statement following release of the report saying they are relieved to finally learn the claims against them, but are shocked it was released before they were contacted.
The All-Party committee has given them until February 1st to respond to the allegations in writing. At that time all 3 house leaders will meet to discuss what, if any recommendations should be made to the Legislative assembly.