News / Community councillors accused of criticising fellow members online
THE BEHAVIOUR of some Lerwick Community Council (LCC) members was called into question by Amanda Hawick at its latest meeting on Monday.
Hawick, who is a member of the community council too, said there had been “repeated instances” in recent months where discussions from meetings had been shared on social media.
She said these comments were “taken out of context” and had led to individual members being “named and criticised”.
“In some cases those very public statements have not accurately reflected what was said and have included personal accusations,” Hawick told the meeting.
“Some members have indicated to me they feel less willing to contribute and speak freely due to the risk of being targeted by these members leading to them being mischaracterised online and this is not acceptable.”
Hawick claimed that some members were considering their involvement on the LCC as a direct result of the incidents.
She read from a prepared statement at the end of Monday night’s meeting at the Lerwick Town Hall, calling into question the behaviour of some of her fellow members.
“Healthy discussion and different views are an essential part of this council,” Hawick said.
“However when members choose to take issues directly to social media rather than raising them during meetings or through appropriate channels it creates a number of problems:
“It risks misrepresenting discussions and damaging the reputations of fellow members and undermines trust within the group. It also discourages open and honest participation.”
She said they were expected to adhere to the community council code of conduct, which meant “treating each other with respect” and “not bringing the council into disrepute”.
“We are all volunteers, giving our time and effort, and we should be able to do so without worrying that our contributions will be taken out of context and used against us publicly by fellow members,” Hawick added.
“Publicly naming and criticising fellow members, particularly where information is, false, inaccurate or incomplete, is not in keeping with those standards.”
She concluded by saying any member with concerns should raise them at an appropriate time during the meeting, or privately with chairman Jim Anderson afterwards.
“If members are not willing to engage constructively within those expectations they should reflect on whether this is the appropriate forum for them,” she added.
There was a short round of applause after Hawick had made her statement, with no other comments made.
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