THE “flimsy five”, the “old guard”, “spineless”, “corrupt”, “low-life parasites”.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
These are just a few of the terms used to describe our councillors, council management and council staff in the past few days by Eurobodalla residents on the Bay Post/Moruya Examiner website.
The criticism is relentless.
There is a small group of serial “bloggers”, often commenting under a range of aliases.
In the past this column has highlighted the negativity regarding the climate change debate. Bloggers were attacking the players, rather than the ball.
Elected representatives are also fair game.
Yes, they should be accountable for their actions.
Yes, you may have different ideas about how an elected representative should perform.
Yes, you may disagree with decisions they make on your behalf – and we welcome your comments on those issues.
But it is the nasty and vicious personal vendettas aired under fake names for which there is no need.
Would you tell these criticisms to their face? Or even stand by your comments by using your own name? If not, why say them at all?
There is a reason why councillors are doing the job and you are not.
They were voted in by the majority and each and every councillor adds to the decision making process.
While I somewhat believe there should be no place for politics in local government (but there always is, it seems) in this case a range of viewpoints are represented and have a voice.
It is democracy at work.
And just because something did not go your way does not mean you have the right to attack, criticise, slander and defame.
At the end of the day councillors are people – our neighbours and friends – who, let’s face it, are probably not doing it for the small allowance they receive. They might be doing it to get the best outcome for the community the only way they know how – idealistic I know.
Council management works within legislation and council staff are bound by the direction of their superiors.
The staff work hard to keep their jobs, which they probably know they are lucky to have in our area, and do not deserve relentless attacks from “faceless” individuals.
Nor does anyone.
Sure, council should be accountable. But so should those who seek always to criticise.
Readers, please be nice.