Scott Hamilton doesn't care what Bruce Ralston thinks.
That was the reaction from the Delta councillor and first-term Liberal MLA for Delta North regarding his New Democrat counterpart's criticism he doesn't plan to vacate his council seat.
"Going forward, it seems to make sense if I can continue to contribute, why not? I don't care what Ralston has to say or why he even wants to weigh in," said Hamilton, a Delta councillor since 2002 and elected for the first time to the legislature last spring.
Hamilton beat fellow councillor Sylvia Bishop, who ran for the NDP, for the vacant Delta North seat. Following the provincial election, he was given the green light by his civic colleagues to take an unpaid leave of absence until Jan. 7 of this year, a move designed to eliminate the requirement for the municipality to hold a costly by-election. It was then expected he would officially resign from council. The four-term councillor didn't disappear entirely during his leave, attending a few meetings as well as keeping himself updated by watching council meetings on video.
It turned out to be advantageous for council as his attendance ensured a quorum for certain meetings. He recently told the Optimist Delta has a smaller than normal council with at least two fewer members than other similar-sized municipalities. It means an increased workload here and a greater chance of not having a quorum.
Mayor Lois Jackson agreed it would be a good idea having Hamilton stick around in his unpaid role.
However, Ralston, the MLA for Surrey-Whalley since 2006, took exception to Hamilton's decision, saying the flip-flop means he won't do a proper job in either role.
Noting Premier Christy Clark recommended new MLAs step down from their council roles, Ralston said Hamilton going back on his word "is not very fitting for a member of the legislature."
As far as Hamilton pointing to Marvin Hunt, the newly elected Liberal MLA for Surrey-Panorama, who decided to stay on Surrey council, Ralston said Hamilton's "reasons for staying on were murky at best" and that "Hunt has an equally feeble excuse for sticking around.
"Hamilton has no reason to stay, breaking his word, defying his leader's direction and doing something that even fellow Liberals think you shouldn't do, so why is he doing it?" he asked.
Ralston added Greg Kyllo, who was elected as the Liberal candidate for Shuswap, stated he would be stepping down from District of Sicamous council because he would be too busy with his duties as MLA.
Hamilton, however, said Ralston was "talking through his hat" and doesn't know what he's talking about. Hamilton said he had lunch with the premier last week, discussing the issue and Clark supported his idea to help out Delta council.
"I don't make these decisions in isolation and I don't take directions from Bruce Ralston, nor do I particularly care about his opinion."
