GCC Shambles

Mr John Green the inaugural Convenor of the West Moonah sub committee of Citizens for Glenorchy Inc. today called upon Aldermen Lucas, Branch-Allen, Slade, Nielsen, Pearce & King to resign.

Mr Green said that these long standing Aldermen four of whom stood for Mayor had refused to accept the democratic decision of the ratepayers of Glenorchy when Kristie Johnston was elected Mayor by more than 60% of the ratepayers.

Since that election the gang of 6 had at an illegal meeting of the Glenorchy City Council accepted a censored report (allegedly before they had fully read it) restructuring the staffing of the GCC and leading to the retrenchment of some council staff.

The meeting was illegal because the Mayor had properly adjourned it but they insisted on continuing anyway.

Their actions have exposed the ratepayers to the risk of the Council being involved in expensive litigation which would have to be paid for by increased rates.

They also blocked the appointment of the Mayor to important committees which by tradition and precedent had the Mayor as a member.

Their conduct has led to the appointment of a Board of enquiry into the GCC.

Mr Green said that he had the displeasure of attending a shambolic meeting of the GCC last night in which Alderman Pearce stated that he supported Glenorchy’s Precinct system and therefore moved a motion to abolish it.

That absurdity was profoundly irritating Mr Green said.

The motion was moved despite the fact that the Council was engaged in a review of its community involvement policy which had not been completed at the time Alderman Pearce moved his motion.

That review included a review of the precinct system.

Alderman Slade compounded the shambles by insulting the about 50 precinct members who attended the meeting by saying, in effect that they are old, worn out and useless.

It enraged a veteran member of a precinct who loudly told the Alderman of his long involvement of community affairs.

Leading to the Mayor requesting that the gentleman leave the meeting.

One has to be extremely dysfunctional to enrage respectable elderly members of the community Mr Green said.

“The gang of 6 have acted like immature 5 year olds and are not fit to be Aldermen of the Glenorchy City Council” Mr Green said.

JOHN GREEN LLB Lawyer (Retired)