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| Phil Townsend seeking to make a statement about his friend the late John Bradley at the November council meeting. |
FAMILY, friends and colleagues of the late John Bradley met on Sunday for an informal memorial following his untimely passing six weeks ago.
The gathering at Glenorchy’s Tolosa Park provided an opportunity for people to share their memories and say their goodbyes. A private funeral was held last month.
Former Derwent Valley Council general manager Steve Mackey led the proceedings and thanked everyone for their attendance, including some of Mr Bradley’s workmates from three councils he had been associated with, as well as community groups he had assisted, and family members.
Mr Mackey recounted how Mr Bradley had worked at the Glenorchy and Huon Valley councils before being appointed as the accountant at the Derwent Valley Council. This was a senior role that eventually led to him serving as acting general manager when required.
Mr Bradley had taken the job at New Norfolk because the council was offering a four-day week, which would allow him to attend Gowan’s Auctions on Fridays. He was a keen collector, football fan and horse racing enthusiast.
Among the large contingent from New Norfolk at Sunday’s function was another former Derwent Valley Council colleague, Phil Townsend, who had tried to make a statement about Mr Bradley’s passing at the November council meeting.
Mr Townsend had submitted his statement in writing as required, but was not called upon when public question time was conducted. After asking why he had been overlooked, Mr Townsend was told his statement would not be allowed.
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| Mayor Ben Shaw telling Phil Townsend his statement about John Bradley would not be heard at last month’s council meeting. |
“It’s around a staff member and personal issues so we’re not going to take that statement,” mayor Ben Shaw said at the time. He went on to say the council took questions on notice, not statements.
Cr Shaw invited Mr Townsend to make an appointment to discuss his concerns with the acting general manager, but said he would not be allowed to make his statement in public. “We’re not taking it because it’s a personal matter, about a staff member,” Cr Shaw said. “We can sort something out for you to have your views put forward, but not in a public forum.”
During a post-meeting discussion between Mr Townsend, Cr Shaw and acting general manager Brian Barrett, the mayor twice threatened to involve the police, raising his voice over Mr Townsend’s to ask him to adopt a calmer approach.
One Comment
Thank you Mr Townsend. We, Johns family appreciate you and many others for supporting John. Those who sought to bring down his reputation and good name will get their own share of pain. Regards Kaye Bradley, John’s sister.