ONE of the councillors to resign from Wakool Shire Council this past fortnight has slammed accusations made against him by the mayor, saying he was in fact the subject of a legal investigation.
On Friday, The Guardian reported that Anthony Jackson and Colin Membrey resigned as councillors earlier this month, citing a longstanding dispute with Wakool Shire Mayor Neil Gorey as one of their reasons.
In his resignation letter, Mr Jackson accused Cr Gorey of having an “autocratic style of leadership and conduct” and trying to negotiate the exit of general manager Bruce Graham.
Cr Gorey disputed Mr Jackson’s claims, saying there had been ongoing behavioural issues with both him and Mr Membrey over the past 12 months or more.
Cr Gorey said they were the ones who maintained poor relationships with Mr Graham, and he alleged one of the pair maintained an ongoing pecuniary interest by being a property developer on the side.
“They have resigned for reasons other than what they stated in their resignation letters,” he said.
Last week The Guardian was unable to contact Mr Membrey in time for print, but he later told the publication he was astounded by the claims Cr Gorey leveled against him, particularly that his profession conflicted with his interests as councillor.
“Mr. Gorey’s continual attacks on my business, insinuating that my relationship between business and council is questionable, is absolutely false and his actions in this regard are currently the topic of a legal investigation,” he said.
“The fact that he has again mentioned in the media this is astounding to me and will add to the current investigation.
When contacted yesterday, Cr Gorey said it was inappropriate to comment on internal council processes, but maintained the truthfulness of his previous statements.
“My actions have been appropriate and I stand by my reputation,” he said.
For more on this story, grab a copy of Monday’s Guardian (December 14).
