The news reports in both the NZ Herald and Dominion Post this week on the apparent victimization of Cr David Scott for opposing extravagant and reckless intentions of council boss, Dougherty, bother us a lot. David Scott voted against a 5.9% rates increase this year, Dougherty’s pay rise and the Paraparaumu and Waikanae town centre plans; all very recently.
We have exactly the same questions as Dr Kerry Bolton (see earlier): Why was this supposedly ‘confidential’ matter leaked to the media and by whom? It was only initially known to four people – David Scott, Dougherty, Mayor Guru and the complainant, who we are told from several sources is [name withheld pending advice from our lawyers], a relatively recent Dougherty senior hire. And why did she promptly e-mail details to a contractor who is doing work for KCDC on which Cr Scott has objected?
The reports in the two papers claim that there is a ‘police investigation’ underway. But that is news to David Scott. The same claim was used by Cr Vining and Dougherty at a meeting of the Audit and Risk Committee yesterday to remove David Scott from the room.
While it is probable that Dougherty did complain to the police, it seems they are not taking it too seriously: and that is hardly surprising given its flippant and frivolous nature. It all seems part of a ploy by Dougherty.
We gather the letter composed by Dougherty and signed by Guru also included complaints that David Scott had previously complimented other female staff on their appearance — good grief.
What bothers us more than any of the above, however, is how council contracts are awarded by Dougherty. This is something on which we are going to write to the government Audit Office.
We would be very interested in verifiable information that people have on this, particularly from council employees. Confidentiality is assured.
Dear Editor, given the serious and sensitive nature of the complaint currently under active investigation by the police, that you have opened this editorial with, I wonder if you could take a moment to consider the possibility of your unwittingly ‘re victimising’ the parties involved before clicking the mouse and publishing your views. A little sensitivity would not go astray, given your previous abhorrence to re-victimisation .
Perhaps you should be asking Mr Dougherty why he and/or his accomplice decided to victimise David Scott by leaking details to the media? We are very concerned about the damage done to him by this behaviour.
Fairfax media have not disclosed who leaked this story to them, and many are asking. But anyone can ask them in accordance with the provisions of the Official Information Act and I suggest you do so. Please may I reiterate this is a very SAD and serious issue for ALL the parties involved and their fellow colleagues. Kind regards Jackie
The Official Information Act covers the government and its agencies including local government; it does not cover private business. It is also basic journalistic ethics that sources are not revealed and neither organisation will do so. The details of this alleged incident were obviously leaked to both the Herald and the Dominion Post and likely others, although not to us; we would not have covered it anyway; we are not gutter press. We consider the complaint frivolous and highly dubious, but agree that the impact of making it public on David is serious — and that is exactly what was intended.
Journalists do not reveal their sources, and the OIA is not going to cover such a request.
Yes we now have a good idea which member of the public deliberately leaked the story to Fairfax media as he told a local reporter that a huge council story would be breaking the next day, and it did. Very sad, some friend.
And from whom did this member of the public get all the information? The answer is apparent, yes?
Yes, his views apparent by the cruel, insensitive and vulgar demonstration he put on outside the council building on Thursday, which the police have dealt with. Sorry if I wont be watching any further disturbances planned, concentrating on trying to keep the rates down. The distractions are not appreciated, we all have work to do.
You seem to be implying Dale Evans is the source of the leaks? We are certain he is not. We agree from the picture on Cr Howson’s FB page that the ‘artistic’ demonstration outside the council HQ was undesirable and counter-productive. However, it was removed on the participants’ own volition and police were not involved.