General News
11 September, 2024
Letter to the editor: Insensitivity of decision
Insensitivity of decision Sir, The livestream of Loddon Sire Council’s August meeting was farcical viewing. In choosing to re-visit the use of non-gendered titles in place of pronouns in the council chamber, the ‘Mister Men’ have embarrassed...
Insensitivity of decision
Sir, The livestream of Loddon Sire Council’s August meeting was farcical viewing. In choosing to re-visit the use of non-gendered titles in place of pronouns in the council chamber, the ‘Mister Men’ have embarrassed both themselves and their ratepayers.
In defending his motion on the basis that it would increase inclusivity, Cr Straub, tied himself in verbal knots reminiscent of Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen on a bad day. Cr Beattie was mercifully brief.
Councillors Murphy and Jungwirth showed admirable restraint in voicing their opposition.
Mayor Holt chose to use his casting vote to support the stupidity. Unsurprising, given that the same three ‘Mister Men’, in order to keep ‘wokeism’ out of the council chamber, had previously conspired to deny Councillor Murphy the mayoral role.
That corporate director Michelle Steadman and wellbeing director Wendy Gladman chose to continue to be addressed as ‘Director’ or ‘Officer’ re-inforced the insensitivity of the decision.
On this occasion the ‘Mister Men’ came across as merely pandering to their own insecurities.
Max Higgs
Bridgewater