A Qualicum Beach town councillor is taking a two-month medical leave, stepping away temporarily from what he calls a B次元官网网址渧ery, very toxic environment.B次元官网网址�
In a public release issued Thursday, Robert Filmer claimed bullying and harassment is B次元官网网址渧ery common in councilB次元官网网址� and he is disappointed the issues are not being addressed.
B次元官网网址淓veryone deserves the chance to work in a safe, respectful and supportive environment,B次元官网网址� Filmer said. B次元官网网址淚t pains me to say that the Town of Qualicum Beach council currently exists in direct opposition to those values. At a moment in time when we should be finding ways to treat each other with kindness, care, and support B次元官网网址� I am devastated to find myself in an ongoing situation where an extreme lack of vision and any meaningful leadership, has left me in an untenable position, where I fear for my health and well-being.B次元官网网址�
Following the advice of his physician, Filmer, 22, said he will take the two-month medical leave, effective Dec. 10.
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B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 not so much about the political environment,B次元官网网址� said Filmer. B次元官网网址淚 love debating. I love disagreements. Unfortunately, this council, and it happened since day one, council has had some issues. Some members of council have gone on personal attacks. And things no longer become political but personal. Our Town Hall is currently a very, very toxic environment.B次元官网网址�
Filmer criticized Mayor Brian Wiese for failing to establish a harmonius and safe environment.
B次元官网网址淲hen council brings issues to the mayor, he uses the line B次元官网网址業 am not your keeper,B次元官网网址橞次元官网网址� said Filmer. B次元官网网址淚n a sense that is true. The mayor is not the keeper or the boss of councillors. However, the mayor is the leader. If there is an issue, especially if that issue is bullying or harassment it is the mayorB次元官网网址檚 job to resolve that.B次元官网网址�
Filmer said that behaviours change when council goes in-camera.
B次元官网网址淎s soon as the door is closed and we go into an in-camera meeting, the tables changed drastically,B次元官网网址� said Filmer, who added that all residents B次元官网网址渆xpect their elected representatives to behave with dignity decorum, and due diligence to the diversity of opinions and voices that exist within our community.B次元官网网址�
Wiese, in a press release, said he respects FilmerB次元官网网址檚 participation as a member of council and his difficult decision to take care of his health first.
B次元官网网址淚t is unfortunate that Coun. Filmer has characterized the conduct of council in a negative way in his publicly issued statement released earlier today,B次元官网网址� said Wiese. B次元官网网址淚 disagree with the allegations he has made and IB次元官网网址檓 disappointed that he has chosen to raise them in the manner he did. I want to assure the public that councillors (Scott) Harrison, (Teunis) Westbroek, and myself will continue to work towards the objectives set out in councilB次元官网网址檚 strategic plan, and continue to progress towards the longterm goals in the Official Community Plan for the remainder of the council term. We look forward to welcoming Coun. Filmer back.B次元官网网址�
Filmer said he will use the time away from council to reflect and get re-energized.
CouncilB次元官网网址檚 next scheduled meeting is Jan. 13, 2021. A byelection must also be held in short order to replace Coun. Adam Walker, who resigned his position after being elected as the NDP MLA for Parksville-Qualicum.
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