OSOYOOS, B.C. — Stu Wells called his own behaviour “an act of immense stupidity,” after being caught on video stealing signs from a property.
The mayor isn’t seeking re-election and an Osoyoos resident believes he knows why.
Oliver Betz has video showing the mayor stealing from his property in June 2013.
Betz was upset over his house purchase from Regal Ridge, so he made protest signs with the words “Buyer Beware.”
In the surveillance footage, Wells and his wife, and a contracted employee from Osoyoos Mountain Estates (OME) are seen taking the signs.
A police investigation was launched, but no formal charges were ever laid.
Instead of taking the matter to court, the three were given alternative measures and ordered to write an apology to Betz.
In the March 2, 2014 apology, Wells wrote: “I have reviewed the whole incident and have certainly had to re-visit my attitude and inner psyche as to my core values.”
The mayor called the event an “unacceptable and embarrassing act.”
In a phone interview with Betz, he says he still wants to know what motivated Wells to do this.
“Why did an elected official trespass and steal from one of his constituents?” questions Betz.
Wells did not return our repeated requests for comment.
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