Council moves on dodgy driving
Tasmanian mayor Tony Bisdee has voted to censure himself over a string of driving offences.
Cr Bisdee OAM recently had his licence suspended for multiple counts of speeding, driving an unregistered and uninsured vehicle, and driving without a license.
This week, four councillors had signalled they would support a no-confidence vote against the Southern Midlands Mayor, but the council instead put forth a motion declaring Cr Bisdee’s actions as totally unacceptable, and censuring him for damaging the council’s reputation.
Cr Bisdee joined the council in voting for the motion, and has now issued a formal apology to the council and the community.
His apology reads:
“In recognition of the unanimous decision carried by the Southern Midlands Council this morning I make this personal and formal apology today to my fellow councillors, the Southern Midlands Council staff, ratepayers and residents of the Southern Midlands Council for my recent indiscretions and actions regarding my recent court convictions for traffic offences.
This was an inappropriate and unacceptable action on my behalf and I acknowledge it has reflected poorly upon the good community and public reputation of the Southern Midlands Council as a highly regarded Local Government Council.
I also acknowledge that my unacceptable actions have severely impacted upon my fellow councillors and all those associated with the Southern Midlands Council and for this I apologise again.
There is no valid or reasonable explanation for my actions other than to say that I unconditionally accept responsibility for these actions and accept the penalties imposed through the court process.
I will ensure that these circumstances will not arise or eventuate at any time in the future.”
Deputy Mayor Alex Green and former mayor Colin Howlett suggested the mayor should resign.
Councillor Don Fish said the response should have been stronger.
“Us councillors have no power over the mayor,” Cr Fish said.
“Whatever we do or say, we can't force him to resign. It's all over and done, now we just have to carry on.”