Jim Kay resigns from Hamilton Police Services Board

The former vice-chair of the Hamilton Police Services board has resigned.

Jim Kay, who retired two years ago as Hamilton's fire chief, filed a letter of resignation on Monday, citing "personal reasons."

"I am truly grateful for the opportunity bestowed upon me and I have performed to the best of my ability honoring the oath I swore to the citizens of this great community," he wrote in his resignation, which is effective immediately.

Kay was a citizen appointee on the seven-member board. He was nominated to serve another year as vice-chair on Monday, the same meeting where the board was divided on passing a budget with a 3.9-per cent increase over last year.

Kay respectfully declined, and the board moved to rotate the vice-chair duty on a monthly basis.

Mayor Bob Bratina told councillors that Kay would explain the nature of his departure to them on a one-to-one basis.

Coun. Terry Whitehead, a member of the board, thanked Kay for his "time and professionalism."

"It was always interesting to have discussions when we'd agree to disagree," he said. "He was a valuable member of the board and I'm sorry to see him go."

Coun. Bernie Morelli, who also serves on the police services board, echoed those sentiments.

As for whether Kay's resignation was at all related to the sometimes stressful recent budget negotiations, Morelli couldn't speculate.

He did say, though, that "this business is not for the light of heart and there's always challenges. I must say that, knowing Jim and what he'sdone in the past, he's always met those challenges.

"One is left to speculate anything you may, but I've never seen him waver under very trying circumstances before, and there's no indication he has now."

Kay's full letter:

Mayor Bratina and members of Hamilton City Council:

It is with regret that I inform you that I am tendering my resignation as Citizen Appointee Member of the Hamilton Police Services Board effective immediately for personal reasons. I am truly grateful for the opportunity bestowed upon me and I have performed to the best of my ability honouring the oath I swore to the citizens of this great community. I am giving you this notice today so you have sufficient time to start the process for a replacement. Thank you for this tremendous opportunity. It has been an honour to once again service this city.

Sincerely yours,

Jim Kay