Powell River resident Pat Martin has expressed disappointment about a councillor’s response to a delegation she made before City of Powell River’s committee of the whole earlier this month.
Martin, appearing before the committee at its March 19 meeting, said she was before the committee that day to discuss her March 5 appearance, and the disappointment that a resident bringing facts and valid concerns to council was “verbally attacked, with the inference that people like me were the reason for division in the community.”
“Councillor [Rob] Southcott’s loud, intimidating response has served to silence others who might have been planning to speak in the future,” said Martin. “Who would willingly put themselves through that?
“Three days after Mr. Southcott’s outburst, I received what appeared to be a sincere apology from him, but this came after he emailed one of my supporters and wrote, ‘I regard Tuesday’s presentation as weaponization of the concept of conflict of interest.’”
Martin said this was an ugly accusation to make, just because he didn’t agree with the delegation. She said this apology came on International Women’s Day.
“Would councillor Southcott have reacted in the same manner had I been a man?” asked Martin. “He responded with kindness and empathy when a male member of the public shouted at council during question period.
“It is councillor Southcott who has weaponized his position of power and his voice to stifle the voices of those with legitimate concerns. He owes the citizens of Powell River a public apology for creating an unsafe environment for the public to appear before council.”
Martin, who stated she does not represent any organized group, said the views expressed were her own and of many supporters.
Martin went on to detail her thoughts on conflict of interest regarding councillors Trina Isakson and Cindy Elliott, and any deliberations or decisions regarding Tla’amin Nation, which the Peak covered subsequent to the March 5 committee of the whole meeting.
Martin reiterated that the city should consult law firm Young Anderson, which specializes in local government law, regarding conflict of interest.
“Should council choose to avoid addressing the public’s concerns in this regard, it will demonstrate a lack of courage to perform your civic duties on behalf of the citizens you represent, and with respect, that is unacceptable,” said Martin.
Join the Peak's email list for the top headlines right in your inbox Monday to Friday.
