“How does an event like this present itself as an opportunity to publicly answer burning questions that we may have for the mayor if we have to pay $30 to attend and any questions we would like to ask will be pre-screened and approved?" A question posed in a letter to the editor for the Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows News.

"How about a public forum where all can attend for free and ask questions from the floor?" Asks Mr. Kinsey, "Wouldn’t that fit more into the open ($30) transparent (pre-approved questions) that the mayor touted during his election campaign?" 

I appreciate the opportunity to address Mr. Kinsey’s concerns regarding the $30 charge for our recent Conversation with the Mayor event. As a non-profit organization, every cent we receive from events or memberships is reinvested into the chamber to enhance our services and organize further community events like this one.

It’s important to clarify that the event in question was hosted by the Ridge Meadows Chamber of Commerce, not Mayor Dan Ruimy. The fee was solely to cover the cost of the catering.

Mayor Ruimy generously offered his time to engage with our members, and we extended the invitation to the public to encourage broader community participation. Questions were solicited from the community in advance, allowing Mayor Ruimy the opportunity to address them thoroughly. Rest assured, we did not shy away from addressing challenging questions.

This event was not a pre-election forum with pre-submitted questions; it was an informational session aimed at fostering dialogue between our community and its leaders. In organizing public forum events, we have to ensure decorum and control, hence the decision to pre-screen questions to maintain a constructive environment.

If you have any further questions or concerns you can contact myself, C.E.O, Kristi Maier directly or through the office channels.