COUNCILLOR Sam Rowland has learnt a valuable lesson; that flippancy has no currency in public life.
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Supporters of his, who like him, will claim the backlash to his use of the word “houso” is political correctness gone mad.
But that is just a convenient copout to blanket over what was a pretty ill-conceived and childish remark made during an important council debate on a mayoral vote referendum.
Whether he said “bogan houso” or “houso junkie” makes no difference.
They might be colloquialisms to Cr Rowland, but to others, especially those who grew up in government accommodation, they’re deeply offensive.
Yet despite dozens of people savaging him through this newspaper and social media – including a federal senator and fellow councillors – Cr Rowland appears unfazed.
He took to Facebook on Friday to explain himself (below) – but only managed to dig himself deeper, in our view.
There are only three possible scenarios for Council and the community if our Mayor was to be popularly elected.
1. The Mayor is elected with a strong mandate and has the support of Councillors;
2. The Mayor is elected with a strong mandate and the Councillors refuse to work with him which will result in a dysfunctional and unworkable Council; and
3. Some houso junkie stands, gets elected and the Council has no leadership, vision or future.
Two out of the three scenarios result in a loss for the community. It’s just too risky!’
Cr Rowland’s temerity is breathtaking, but our democracy permits this freedom of expression, as Cr Rowland has been quick to remind us.
Yet as an upholder of the right to free speech, he must also accept, rather than denounce, the opinions of those who have taken offence to him.
And shooting the messenger won’t get him far either.
Any attempt by a local community representative such as Cr Rowland to legitimise the use of what to many is a derogatory term is not acceptable.
His comments last Tuesday night were flippant and immature – the public is quick to pounce on such remarks when they get out.
It’s just a pity that his colleagues – and yes, there were regrettably a few giggles among them when he said it - didn’t pull him up there and then.
Council meetings should be about maintaining decorum and professionalism.
Sam Rowland will be a better councillor for the experience.
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