TRM tried to respond to the following Council blog. We suggested that it was admirable to see the CEO supporting the staff but if he could not handle criticism he should resign. Or something like that… I cannot repeat it accurately as they immediately removed it. I think that is called censorship? Fortunately, I did show it to two other people whose opinion I respect (one is called SWMBO) seeking their advice if my comment was fair. They agreed with it. You might have guessed that I referred the CEO to his decision to fine a cute little old motel for erecting signs welcoming tourists to Turangi. Then, when directional signage was added for tourists (see “turn left” & “turn right” image below), TRM was fined again. That is why the CEO of Toe-paw Council and his staff deserve criticism.

i.e. If they want to act like clowns and abuse their ratepayers then they should be prepared for some flak. But they hate any negative exposure so TRM’s response on their site was removed. I don’t think they can remove this from my website – we shall see…

Taupo Council blog:  Our chief executive Gareth Green has called time on social media trolls, imploring the community to put a stop to vitriolic behaviour.

At today’s council meeting, Mr Green said he had been deeply disappointed by the actions of some people in the community on social media as the council battled with two emergency events, and around the commissioning of the traffic signals at the intersection of Norman Smith Street and Wairakei Drive this month.

There had been criticisms aimed at councillors and staff, and much of it was based on misinformation and some of it very personal, he said.

“It’s just uncalled for and irresponsible. We tell our children to be kind and yet, as grown adults, some people are ridiculing staff who are absolute professionals and are doing what they are paid to do.”

In some posts, staff had been called “morons, incompetent and good for nothing”, which was completely unacceptable.

“Our staff take these types of comments on board and it hurts,” said Mr Green. “It is time for the community to be kind and to play the ball, not the man.”

As a result, the council has reviewed the conditions on its Facebook page.

“We welcome people’s comments and participation on our page and encourage open discussion but we ask that you’re polite and respectful with your comments and views,” said Mr Green. Any posts that crossed the line would be removed, he said. taupodc.govt.nz

So obviously TRM trolls must have crossed that line – again…

Update 4 pm Thursday: Thank you for all the

support on facebook – TRM’s helpful comments have been deleted twice more from the Toe-paw facebook. That is how the CEO imagines he is displaying real leadership qualities. If anyone posts something that is critical or he does not like, he deletes it. What an incompetent and pathetic reaction. Completely gutless! He exemplifies the public service abusing their power again.