How did it come to this?:
Increasing abuse and threats directed at elected members has prompted a new home security allowance to councillors’ pay.
Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) chief executive Susan Freeman-Greene said her organisation had advocated for new protections such as the allowance given a significant increase in abuse, harassment and threatening behaviour.
Central Otago Mayor Tamah Alley said she had been involved in putting the case to the Remuneration Authority. . .
While it was not possible to please everyone the decisions elected members made should not bring anxiety into their homes, Mrs Alley said.
“It’s just wrong. We are here to make the decisions for the benefit of, you know, as much of the public as we can … [but] the decisions we are making shouldn’t be following you home and make you or your family feel unsafe.” . . .
I don’t begrudge the cost of security but it concerns me that it’s necessary.
Abuse and threats to the safety of people and their property isn’t confined to local body politicians. MPs are victims of it too.
I don’t know how it came to this but it reflects a lack of respect for other people, a growing propensity to attack people personally rather than debating their views, and a lack of self-control from the perpetrators.
Reasonable people are able to discuss issues and debate ideas without resorting to personal abuse or threatening behaviour.
The need for security for councillors shows there are far too many unreasonable people who don’t respect others and can’t control themselves.
Councillors shouldn’t need security. That they do makes it even harder to persuade good people to put their hands up for public office.
Ele Ludemann is a North Otago farmer and journalist, who blogs HERE - where this article was sourced.
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