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“I am a Canadian, free to speak without fear, free to worship in my own way, free to stand for what I think right, free to oppose what I believe wrong, or free to choose those who shall govern my country. This heritage of freedom I pledge to uphold for myself and all mankind.” ~~ John G. Diefenbaker

PUHALLO: This is a good learning experience for anyone who is applying for any position: your Linkedin is your professional online resume, and Facebook is your personal online resume


NOTE:
Five days ago, on his Facebook page, Stephen Puhallo wrote a commentary regarding the hiring of the Chamber of Commerce new Executive Director, John Perks.  This, following the firestorm of controversy the hiring had created.  Since then, in what was called a tersely worded media release, Chamber president Joshua Knaak says John Perks "will not be employed as its executive director".  Regardless, I believe Stephen had some valid comments to make, which is why I asked for his permission to re-post his comments. This is what he had to say:

 
John Perks "will not be employed
as its executive director"

"I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it" ~Voltaire

If any of you have been following the crazy social media storm around the new Executive Director for the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce, remember that quote.

I understand the posts about "If you are the public face of a public organization, you need to be more careful, and more balanced in what you post on social media..."

I totally agree with that.

When I was the Executive Director of the North Shore Business Improvement Association, I was very conscious of what I posted on my social media. Both during the selection process -- and when I was the public voice of that organization.

Some have attacked Mr. Perks based upon partisan posts he had up about American and Canadian political issues and politicians.

This is a good learning experience for anyone who is applying for any position: your Linkedin is your professional online resume, and Facebook is your personal online resume.

Don't forget that, because it is part of the new reality of social interaction and personal presentation. I truly believe Mr. Perks now understands that concept better than most, and how important that is to the people of this area!

But what does it say about us, and our values, when we disparage an individual we have not met and do not know?


What does it say about the people who have maligned someone because their political, philosophical, or personal beliefs do not align with their own? Who is the real bigot then?

Where is the bias now being shown?

Many of us post things to our social media not because we agree with everything in the article or post, but because we want to introduce a topic or idea and see what our friends or followers think about it.

I do that all the time and learn from the thoughtful, and sometimes not so thoughtful, comments and conversation that follows. I don't know if this was the case with Mr. Perks's posts, I also don't know if it wasn't. Any evaluation of Mr. Perks as an Executive Director should be based on the person, not the posts.

There is a difference between being "political" and being "partisan". Industry and business groups, by their very nature of being advocates for their membership, should be very "political". You can do this without being "partisan".

If the Chamber Board and its members believe they have the right person for the job, that's their decision to make. The Chamber is funded through its membership and its events. It's not a taxpayer-supported entity. This is their decision to make and to stand by, or change at their discretion.

So, let's take a breath, walk away from the keyboard, put down our mobile or tablet, get outside, and enjoy some wonderful Kamloops spring weather.
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