At last Tuesday’s meeting Cr Green moved a four-part notice of motion calling on general manager David Rawlings to investigate various correspondence written by mayor John Bowell.

Cr Green said she would have preferred to discuss the motion in the confidential section of the meeting, but could find no reason to do so.

She said she had very real concerns the good name of Kempsey Shire was being tarnished by letters sent under the mayor’s signature.

“(It’s come to my attention) many letters had been sent to government ministers (State and federal), senior government staff and local government organisation(s) on matters which had not been discussed at or by council, and the mayor has not been directed to write such letters by council,” she said.

“Variously people have come to me to say (the letters are) confusing, intimidating and harassing.”

“It’s embarrassing.

“We’ve been taken to task when we don’t know what is being written.

“This is not a direct attack on the mayor, but a concern over our reputation, future funding and grant opportunities.”

Cr Green said allegations that letters addressed to the general manager had landed on the mayor’s desk were further cause for alarm.

“Several community organisations and individuals (that sent) letters requesting information add- ressed to the general manager have been responded to by the mayor and in a manner which is felt was inappropriate and ‘short’,” she said.

She also expressed concern the mayor was overstepping the bounds of his office when it came to dealing with council staff.

“Memos have been sent by the mayor to staff at all levels directing staff to undertake investigations and reports on internal matters,” she said.

“Often (it’s) the same memo to several different departments, causing considerable duplication of work and waste of resources.”