Is Sarai Lying Again?

by Kamloops Critic | Aug 12, 2025 | City Council, Kamloops | 0 comments

Disgraced Kamloops City Councillor Bill Sarai is once again in the news. This time trying to draw attention to a verbal altercation he allegedly had with Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson. Wait, did this seriously happen again? This time it was during Hot Nite in the City.

Sarai’s Version

According to Sarai’s report to iNFOnews.ca, the Mayor wanted to present the awards and “just lost it” when Sarai reminded him that he was barred from representing the city.

Hamer-Jackson’s Version

According to the Mayor, Sarai was the one who “lost it”, when the Mayor asked Sarai “Are you running for Mayor?”. He said Sarai responded with comments about the 24 claims against the Mayor. He also said he did call Sarai a liar.

Supposedly there are unnamed witnesses backing Sarai’s version of the events. I’m guessing there might even be a carefully edited audio or video out there.

Do we care who’s telling the truth? I don’t. Sarai should never have been there. He should have resigned long ago. It reminds me of getting in an accident with an impaired driver without a license and ICBC claiming you’re partially at fault.

If It Lies Like A Sidewalk

If this comes down to what Sarai said vs. what Hamer-Jackson said, I know who I’m going to give the benefit of the doubt. Sarai is a self admitted liar with what seems to be a constant axe to grind.

On the other hand, Hamer-Jackson hasn’t lied during his term that I’m aware of. Yes, investigators have doubted his credibility at times, but there hasn’t been any proof of lies or deception on his part. From what I’ve observed, he is quick to own up to his actions and statements whether it is to his benefit or not.

Hecklers Are Unrelated

That’s how I see it. Whether they are supporters of the Mayor or not, he has no control over their actions. I’m inclined to think that when there are 2000+ petitioners demanding Sarai’s resignation, there are bound to be those who don’t want Sarai’s presence on any stage. It’s a slap in the face to see him acting like the public is going to forget his disgraceful behaviour.

It Was Scary

“I had no other councillors with me, I’m by myself,” Sarai told iNFOnews. “I didn’t know how it was going to end, that was the scary part. Are they going to be waiting for me?”

Apparently Sarai was so scared he called for Ken Uzeloc, the Director of Protective Services. This reminds me of our City Council needing CSO’s to protect them from the public at council meetings. As far as I know, no one has ever physically threatened or harmed a Kamloops city councillor at a council meeting.

Another Perspective

Mel Rothenburger of The Armchair Mayor website published a great article on the incident (link below). He offers a more thorough review of the incident.

While still inappropriate for a public event, the incident sounds relatively minor compared to the crap we see and hear on the streets on an ongoing basis.

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What Will It Take?

Any politician with an ounce of class and conscience would have resigned. Not Sarai though. His own political and financial gain seem to be more important than the public’s wishes and right to be represented by honest and ethical individuals.

Pouring Salt In The Public Wound

Besides the fact that Council has not actually disciplined Sarai in any meaningful manner, there are a few other outstanding issues:

Sarai is still being permitted to put on the deputy wanna-be mayor hat. You can express your thoughts at citycouncil@kamloops.ca

Sarai is still collecting close to $20,000/year for sitting on the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) board. You can express your thoughts at legservices@tnrd.ca (see Submit a Letter for submission requirements)

Sarai is still president of the Kamloops Airport Authority Society (remuneration unknown). You can express your thoughts at info@kamloopsairport.com

Sarai is still 1st vice president of Southern Interior Local Government Association (SILGA) (remuneration unknown). You can express your thoughts at info@silga.ca