On Sunday November 10, Sarnia police announced that Penticton Herald editor and Penticton City Councillor (on paid leave) was arrested by RCMP on 7 counts of Sexual Interference, 3 counts of Invitation to Sexual Touching, and 1 count of Sexual assault. According to the press release, James has been released on condition. To be clear, these charges are in addition to the ones which were brought forward in August and led to him being placed on paid leave which continues for an indefinite period.

“Sadly, Jake suffered a stroke in July of last year. He’s been away from council since. It’s now been more than six months and there’s another two years left in this term.” – Miller Time Editorial Jan 14, 2021 – James Miller
Any keen reader of the paper will remember this article.

We are nearing 4 months of an absence of James Miller on council and we are all well aware of the speed of trials in our justice system. While this is a good thing, because we want to ensure that we are operating under the presumption of innocence until proven guilty, it has real world consequences we must address in the interim.

The citizens of Penticton deserve to be represented by an individual who can add their voice to their conversation and elevate their concerns to the decision making tables of our community in a timely manner. With a by-election in the planning for the early spring to replace Amelia Boutlbee, would it not be logical for James Miller to voluntarily resign and allow someone else to fill the important space without spending any more taxpayer dollars than absolutely necessary?

James is still collecting his full paycheque and Pentictonites deserve to have a representative that is actually able to do their job on a daily basis for their money. Right now, we are effectively throwing it away to someone who can’t perform their responsibilities. It’s time we respectfully ask for him to resign his seat, so he can attend to his personal matters. This would be a sign of humility and putting community before self. Let’s see what he chooses.

Please sign to support an plea to ask James Miller to voluntarily resign as soon as possible. We need to make him understand the serious consequences of his actions. Let the justice system run it's course and the city run itself. Please resign James.