Rumour Regarding the Elks 50th Celebration

A rumour has started that I refused to attend the Elk's 50th Anniversary celebration because, allegedly, I insisted on a speaking fee of $50 according to someone speaking with Councillor Janzen and $75 according to someone speaking with Councillor McTaggart. This allegation is false. The Elk's celebration was March 28, 2015 and from March 27 - March 29 I was in Leduc with my sons at their hockey tournament. I had missed their first tournament in Regina because I was in Saskatoon attending SUMA on behalf of the Town. Here is the link to the workshop I attended the Saturday of their tournament. As mayor I do expect to miss some of my sons' and wife's activities and events but I think it is unrealistic to always fulfill Town obligations before my family's.

I have never asked for a fee, honorarium, or gift to represent the Town at any community celebration including the Co-Op 100th celebration, Cancer Relay for Life, Children's Wish Foundation, Legion Celebration, Curling Openings, Crisis Centre, and many more. Representing the Town is clearly within the responsibilities of the Office of the Mayor according to The Town of Kindersley Council Policy Manual GP.4. and a privilege I very much enjoy. Here is the link to the Ducks Unlimited event I attended in 2013. I understand this policy to say I attend these public celebrations and if asked bring greetings or speak on behalf of the Town of Kindersley; as such I expect no compensation in the form of a fee, honorarium, or gift.

Over the course of my time as mayor I have received four gifts for attending events on behalf of the Town:

• a watch (other guests also received gifts) from the Crossroads Hotel for attending their Grand Re-Opening;
• Co-Op presented me and other guest speakers with a pen set;
• a donation was made in my name, like all other participants, to a SUMA sponsored scholarship fund for being a panelist at SUMA 2014 discussing youth participation;
• at the Nipawin Municipal Infrastructure Conference 2015 I, like all other participants, received a bottle of wine and a wine bottle holder for participating as a panelist at the conference wrap up session.

As mayor I have also been elected to the SUMAssure Board of Directors and appointed to SAMA's Advisory Council. These respective organizations compensate me through:

• per diem allowance (sometimes my prep time is compensated);
• expenses for food, miscellaneous, and accommodations;
• mileage; and
• time spent travelling

I do not submit per diem or expense forms to the Town if my responsibilities are for another organization.

Often I provide pulpit supply at local and area churches (I am currently taking a break). I do expect an honorarium for this service. Crafting a sermon may take up to 15 hours of research and writing. However, if you ask some local churches (Kindersley Alliance, Clearview BiC, St Olaf's Lutheran) and area churches (Eatonia and Marengo) I have provided pulpit supply without receiving any compensation or mileage expense compensation.

I hope this clarifies the issue for you. If you have any questions or concerns please contact me.