Concerned, Embarrassed, Ashamed Citizen Writes In

So far we haven't received any mail telling us how Mayor Paul Tomlinson deserves the Queen's Jubilee Medal, but citizens are writing in.

Dear Concerned Citizens,

In the March 21st Edition of the Almaguin News, Mayor Tomlinson proudly displays his Queen’s Jubilee Medal. The Editorial in the same Edition, entitled “Not to be judged”, suggests that Tomlinson played no role in being awarded the Medal, and did the appropriate thing by expressing his appreciation and humbly accepting it.

The flaw in the Editorial reasoning is that Tomlinson humbly accepted the Medal before he learned that the Medal was intended for all members of council and staff who collectively contributed to the betterment of the community. Whether Tomlinson was humbled or appreciative is irrelevant once he learned of the misunderstanding. What Mayor Tomlinson should have done when learning of the misunderstanding, was show true appreciation for all of those who contributed and then shared the honour of the Medal as Council’s resolution proposed.

But, we have seen very clearly that Mayor Tomlinson is not an honourable nor generous individual. He is a bully and harasser. His tongue has been plastered across newspaper pages across the country. And there is clear evidence that he is driving the Town of Kearney into a financial hole.

Tomlinson's insistence on keeping the Medal, knowing full well he is undeserving, is comparable to someone purchasing the Victoria Cross in a pawn shop.

Dear Mayor Tomlinson, You can strut around all you want but all it accentuates is what a pompous ass you are.

Thank you,
A Concerned, Embarrassed, Ashamed Citizen of Kearney

We wouldn't say that it's "comparable to someone purchasing the Victoria Cross in a pawn shop", but it's certainly comparable to someone purchasing the medal then giving it to Tomlinson. We, as does Rob Learn of the Almaguin News, could point the finger of blame at the FCM for their shotgun nominations but Tomlinson has no excuse for accepting a medal he knows he does not deserve.

If someone gives you stolen property and you accept it, knowing it's stolen, you've committed a crime. Similarly, if someone denigrates the honour of the medal by handing them out like candy and you know that you've done nothing to deserve the honour, then you are also guilty of denigrating that honour. Several mayors, not willing to be a party to this farce, have done the honourable thing and have returned their medals. Meanwhile, Mayor Paul Tomlinson tweets about his and posts pictures online. We noted as well that his Worshipfulness didn't declare a conflict of interest when Council voted on the issue.

Are you surprised?