Carter urges public to be polite to council

John Carter

New Far North Mayor John Carter is promising a better relationship between the council and the public - but is also putting council critics on notice that he won't tolerate foul language or intimidation.

In one of his first statements as mayor, Mr Carter pledged Far North residents full and fair access to the council and encouraged anyone with complaints to bring them to his attention directly so he could investigate. Staff would monitor the letters pages in newspapers but the council would not necessarily respond to letter writers directly. "I respect people's right to freedom of speech and will provide a response where people raise a legitimate issue.

"However, I don't intend to get drawn into squabbles with trenchant critics."

He also vowed not to tolerate people who used offensive language to intimidate staff.

"I expect staff to be pleasant and to respond to the needs of the public and they will, but I won't stand for filth and abuse."

A few individuals who had been highly vexatious and offensive in their dealings with staff would be required to conduct their dealings with the council via the mayor. "Nobody will be barred access to the council, but in some cases they will only be able to communicate with me in writing or by email."

The council would respond to legitimate enquiries from such individuals as long as they were courteous.

While Mr Carter did not name names, one of the critics he is thought to be referring to is Kaitaia man Des Mahoney. Mr Mahoney, a self-appointed council watchdog who calls himself the Gadfly, is a regular correspondent on the Northland Age's letters page and is in frequent contact with councillors and council staff.

Last year he was the subject of a civil court complaint, which was later withdrawn, by a council staff member. In 2010 the council called in a police officer and had burly male staff on hand when Mr Mahoney made a submission on the draft annual plan. Mr Mahoney admitted he could "get a bit feral" when addressing councillors, although at the time he needed a walking stick after injuring himself in a fall.