The alliance is calling for an immediate investigation into the person behind the name-calling, saying \u201csuch conduct has a chilling effect on political debate and local democracy\u201d. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe elected member who abused Councillor Fletcher should be held accountable and censured by the Governing Body,\u201d Ratepayers\u2019 Alliance spokesman Josh Van Veen said. <\/p>\n
\u201cSuch serious allegations cannot be allowed to fester.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mayor Wayne Brown said the allegations had not been raised with him, but his door was \u201calways open\u201d. <\/p>\n
\u201cComplaining on social media just creates drama that distracts from the good work we do,\u201d he said, following Fletcher\u2019s lengthy Facebook post. <\/p>\n
Auckland Council chief executive Phil Wilson said he would be \u201cvery willing\u201d to assist in an investigation, but ultimately, he was an employee of the councillors. <\/p>\n
\u201cFundamentally the political culture is for our elected members to address.\u201d<\/p>\n
Van Veen said a survey of 95% of the 825 Auckland ratepayers they surveyed last night believe the Government should appoint a Crown Observer. <\/p>\n
Minister for Auckland Simon Watts called any bullying, intimidation, and unprofessional behaviour \u201cunacceptable\u201d, but said he could not step in. <\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a matter best addressed by the Mayor and Chief Executive. <\/p>\n
\u201cAucklanders expect their local government to be a workplace where elected members are treated with respect and can focus on delivering results for the communities they represent.\u201d<\/p>\n
Fletcher, the Albert-Eden-Puket\u0101papa Ward councillor, wrote that \u201cbullying and name calling normally associated with a school playground\u201d were rife, and suggested consideration should be given to bringing in a Government observer.<\/p>\n
\u201cAfter a career in the front line of politics, I have a relatively thick skin, but I have experienced nothing like the invective I have endured during this council term,\u201d she wrote.<\/p>\n
\u201cI wonder how others would respond if, when speaking at a council debate, an elected member can be heard muttering \u2018f…..g b…h\u2019 and even recently \u2018f…..g fat b…ch\u2019.<\/p>\n
Albert-Eden-Puket\u0101papa Ward councillor Christine Fletcher claims \u201cbullying and name calling normally associated with a school playground\u201d is rife at council. Photo \/ NZME<\/p>\n