I have been out of the country for the past 10 days and wasn’t aware until I returned today that there was an issue involving me, related to budget night. The mayor’s email below, and a subsequent letter on one of our local papers (which I did not see), made me aware of my involvement. Specifically, I was unexpectedly “on camera” when I mouthed a somewhat derogatory expression in a brief moment’s discussion with Councillor Hofland. I had not expected to be on camera at the time, as someone else was addressing an issue and I would have expected the camera to be on that person. Nevertheless, the expression was certainly inappropriate for council chambers, regardless of whether it was actually stated or just “mouthed”, and I apologise to my council colleagues, and to the mayor, for any embarrassment this has caused. Maggie 20-3-11
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I need to draw your attention to concerns that have been raised by members of the public and staff regarding the behavior of individual members of Council last night that were caught on camera.
While your microphone might be off, your comments, either mouthed or spoken, can be understood by viewers. This not only reflects badly on the individual but on Council as a whole.
There will always be times when we do not agree with the perspective or vote of one of our colleagues. I would ask that we not make derogatory comments about our colleagues whether the microphone is on or not.
I appreciate it is a long evening. We get tired, patience wanes and tempers get frayed. However, I believe our constituents elect us because they trust we have the personal fortitude to handle the heat.
Regards,
Karen Farbridge | Mayor 4-3-11