However, Clutha District Mayor Jock Martin said he was simply following procedure in what was a tightly regulated format.
Kaitangata resident John Castel said Mr Martin had suggested he use the public forum section of the April 1 council meeting to voice concerns about fly-tipping and rubbish disposal charges he had previously raised with council staff by email.
During the forum, Mr Castel and the mayor repeatedly interrupted one another, leading Mr Castel to level the accusation of a ‘‘beat-up job’’ by Mr Martin when he spoke to the Otago Daily Times on Thursday.
‘‘I only had five minutes’ wiggle room to say my piece so I didn’t expect the mayor to be interrupting me, particularly as he had suggested I use the forum to voice my concerns.
‘‘[Mr Martin] had already done a beat-up job on the two previous speakers raising environmental concerns, then kept interrupting me, telling me to ‘get to the point.’
‘‘Well how can I get to the point if he keeps talking across me? I don’t feel I had a fair hearing at all.’’
Before Mr Castel’s presentation, South Otago Forest & Bird members Jan and Roy Johnstone had both spoken, asking councillors to explain their decision not to revisit a controversial bylaw governing vehicles on the district’s beaches.
In a civil exchange, Mr Martin said he believed the matter was already satisfactorily resolved and no further explanation was required.
Mr Castel took a different view, questioning the mayor’s fitness to lead and suggesting he should consider resigning.
‘‘I think he needs to change his attitude or step down. The mayor and council is there to listen to the people, not the other way round.’’
Mr Martin said he was surprised and saddened to hear of Mr Castel’s concerns following the meeting.
He said he had encouraged Mr Castel to attend the forum so all councillors could hear his concerns.
‘‘I’m sad he felt that way. We encourage residents to attend and speak at the public forum with any concerns and I admire those, like John, who step up.
‘‘We do ask that people come with a clear idea of what they want to say, as it’s limited to five minutes, and points cannot be debated due to the rules by which we’re governed.
‘‘John was going on a bit long and tackling several issues.’’
