Lunenburg taxi company accuses mayor of threats, attempted quid pro quo after late-night incident

A Lunenburg taxi company has publicly accused Mayor Jamie Myra of inappropriate behaviour during a late-night pickup and says he, members of his family and several others have been permanently banned from using the service.

In a lengthy social media statement, SaltWind Transportation owner Simon Gordon alleged Myra and members of his group were heavily intoxicated when they entered one of the company’s vehicles late Friday night.

According to Gordon, the group was larger than the vehicle could legally accommodate, leading to an argument over additional trips.

The company claims the situation escalated to the point police were called.

SaltWind further alleges Myra repeatedly refused requests to leave the vehicle.

“I gave the mayor one final warning that if he did not leave the vehicle I would call 911,” Gordon wrote in the statement. “He did not leave until the 911 call came over the car speakers and his wife physically removed him from the vehicle.”

Company alleges threats and attempted influence

Some of the most serious allegations involve conversations that allegedly took place after the incident.

Gordon claims Myra contacted him the following day and attempted to discuss the matter.

According to the statement, the mayor allegedly warned that family members and friends could target the company online if details became public.

“He warned me that although he does not engage on social media, members of his family and his friends do and that they would likely come after me and my business if anything was made public,” Gordon wrote.

The company also alleges Myra discussed future dealings between the town and the business, including transit initiatives and possible bylaw changes affecting SaltWind.

“I took the call to be both a threat and a quid-pro-quo in order to obtain my silence,” Gordon wrote.

The statement further alleges that after being told the company was still considering how to proceed, Myra threatened legal action.

Mayor says he has a different version of events

Myra has since responded publicly.

In a brief social media statement, the mayor said he disagrees with SaltWind’s account.

“While I have a much different version of the events than they do I will say this and that’s it,” Myra wrote.

He went on to congratulate Gordon on his new business and said safety is important for both drivers and passengers.

“I support and congratulate Simon on his new business venture as it’s certainly needed in our community. Safety is paramount to both the driver and their passengers.”

Myra also indicated he would not be making any further public comments.

Town investigating allegations

The Town of Lunenburg has since acknowledged the situation.

In a statement, the town said it is aware of the incident and is investigating the allegations made on Facebook.

The town said it would have no further comment while that process is underway.

Service changes announced

The company has also suspended late-night taxi operations and announced additional safety measures while it reviews procedures and installs dash cameras.

None of the allegations made by SaltWind Transportation have been independently verified by our newsroom.