Councillor James Miller okayed by City to return to public events

In a late Monday afternoon statement, Penticton mayor Julius Bloomfield said Penticton councillor James Miller is now "encouraged to again attend public events on behalf of the City."

The gesture is good news for the recently embattled Miller, who just six days ago on July 20 was asked to abstain from attending public events as City staff made inquiries following a resurfacing of media reports on 2006 criminal charges.

Back then in the province of Ontario, Miller was accused in multiple incidents and of multiple crimes -- some of which involved minors and were sexual in nature. He was ultimately acquitted on all counts.

But recently, the incidents were pushed back into the spotlight when links to historical articles were posted, questions asked and speculations raised on social media.

From social media, the ground swell moved quickly to mainstream media. And from mainstream media to the general public.

Mayor and council -- all of whom say they had no prior knowledge of the events -- learned of the situation either when contacted by social media posters or when it hit the mainstream.

In his initial statement on the matter from July 20, when he revealed Miller had been asked to avoid public events, Bloomfield called the situation "concerning."

But he did not ask Miller to step away from his duties. Nor did Miller offer to do so.

In his statement Monday after council's investigation, Bloomfield had substantially changed his tune. Yet he stopped short of an apology or a ringing endorsement.

"Council has completed its inquiries into the past charges and acquittal of Councillor Miller that surfaced on social media and in news reports last week," said Bloomfield. "Council considers the matter closed and Councillor Miller is encouraged to again attend community events on behalf of the City. Council remains focused on the pressing issues facing our community and creating a stronger and more vibrant Penticton."

Miller is also managing editor of the Penticton Herald. He joined the Herald in 2008, not long after relocating to the Okanagan from Ontario via Spruce Grove, Alberta, and has been employed there predominantly ever since.

He first ran for Penticton city council in a 2021 by-election, and won. He was re-elected to a full term just last year.

Miller declined an offer to comment in this story.