Given it’s only been a few weeks since I last addressed this issue, it’s disappointing that I’m having to do so again.
A small minority continue to circulate narratives about council activities and decisions which, at best, lack context or are exaggerated, and in some cases, are completely untrue. Two recent examples of this are claims that staff censor comments relating to council on social media sites, and that management and/or councilors have considered placing a security guard in the Fairlie office. There is no truth to either of these statements.
As I have said before, it is difficult to see how the actions of those who post this information, and those who amplify it, are benefiting our communities. It is one of the root causes of the negative behaviors which are increasingly aimed towards both staff and elected members, both in the office environment but also, sadly, when not at work.
Council welcomes constructive discussion and debate. However if dialogue is not grounded in truth, it serves no-one. Misinformation causes division and distrust. There are two sides to every story, and things are often more complex than they might appear. I encourage those with genuine concerns to discuss them with the CEO, one of your elected representatives or directly with me. Council doesn’t always get it right: elected members and staff are human. Where this is identified we will make every effort to put things right. For those with genuine grievances, council has a transparent complaints procedure, and the Parliamentary Ombudsman provides independent oversight if required.
I urge you to take your information from reputable sources, think critically about the information you read and hear, seek balance in the viewpoints you’re consuming and view the opinions shared via the rumour mill or social media as just that — opinion.