Member should quit: Cull

Strath Taieri community board member Norma Emerson (right) argues for a vote of no confidence in...
Strath Taieri community board member Norma Emerson (right) argues for a vote of no confidence in fellow member Bevan Dowling at the community board’s meeting in Middlemarch yesterday. Others, clockwise from bottom left, are Jacinta Stevenson, Cr Christine Garey, DCC governance support officer Jenny Lapham and board chairman Barry Williams. Photo: Gregor Richardson.
Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull has called on disgraced Strath Taieri Community Board member Bevan Dowling to fall on his sword.

Dowling was notably absent from yesterday’s meeting at Middlemarch when the majority of his fellow members voted to show their support for him.

Dave Cull.
Dave Cull.
The 59-year-old was last month convicted of assaulting a woman after returning home from the pub.Dowling’s absence at the meeting was not explained, and according to the agenda was not indicated beforehand.

It meant he was not present when the board voted on a motion of no confidence.

The motion was submitted by fellow board member Norma Emerson and supported by Cr Christine Garey.

The board’s remaining members voted against it, essentially voting to keep Dowling on the board despite the assault which resulted in the victim suffering bruising and abrasions.

Bevan Dowling
Bevan Dowling
It was revealed last month in court, police had been called to Dowling’s home for similar incidents in the past.

He first appeared in court on the charges on May 26, the day after the community board approved supporting a workshop to address domestic violence and alcohol abuse in the community.

"I don’t see how we can change that culture if he is on the board," Mrs Emerson said at the meeting.

"As a community board who represents the public we can’t afford to sweep issues like this under the carpet, especially when one of our fellow members of this board is involved.

"I believe Mr Dowling has brought the Strath Taieri Community board into disrepute."

After the motion failed, board chairman Barry Williams put forward a motion that all media comment should come from the Dunedin City Council.

When offered the opportunity to have his say, considering his absence at the meeting, Dowling declined.

Council general manager, strategy and governance, Sandy Graham said, in a statement on behalf of the board, that it wished "to make it clear" it did not support violence in any form.

"In consultation with police and other community leaders, the board will be looking at what practical support it can provide to the community including hosting an anti-violence workshop."

But Mr Cull said the board and Dowling had got it wrong.

"I do not condone violence in any form," he said.

"I have long added my support to the White Ribbon Campaign to end men’s violence against women and have encouraged others to do the same.

"Legally, an elected member is disqualified from serving if they are convicted of an offence carrying a potential jail term of two years or more."

"This case did not meet that threshold, so legally there is no action I, or the council, can take," Mr Cull said.

"However, let me be absolutely clear. From a moral standpoint, I believe that an elected member convicted of this type of offence is a poor example of a community leader and should step down.

"I have made my views on this matter clear to both Mr Dowling and the chair of the Strath Taieri community board."

Last night, Mrs Emerson told the ODT the decision of her fellow board members had disappointed her and she was now considering stepping aside herself.

"That [voting against the motion] was pretty much exactly what I expected, but ... I had the smallest hope someone might have grown a conscience during my motion," she said.

"To me it proves the community comes second to the community board.

"I have decided to ... suspend all my attendances until the end of the year and weigh up all my options."

Many within the community quietly supported her vote of no confidence in Dowling, and the issue had unfortunately brought out the worst as well as the best in the community.

"There’s a lot of people in this community behind me," she said.

timothy.brown@odt.co.nz

Comments

First time I agree with Cull, but Cull should have already fallen on his own sword long ago and many many times

Totally irrelevant. Dave Cull doesn't hit women.

 

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