Thanks to John for sharing this letter with VB readers that he has written to the editor of the Isle of Wight County Press. We haven’t seen Charlotte Hofton’s report, but some of you may have. In his own words. Ed
Dear Sir,
RE: Charlotte Hofton’s Report of Full Council Meeting (IWCP 27.07.2012 p42-43)
I am writing as I feel Ms. Hofton has exceeded the realms of acceptability in her personal comments directed towards members of public asking questions at the recent Full Council Meeting, which regardless of anyone’s opinions of beliefs of individuals concerned, is their democratic right.
“Offensive and defamatory comments”
At best these are misguided, at worst offensive and defamatory and I quote the following examples:
- Comments re Simon Haytack – these are the most alarming as I am aware that Ms Hofton has never met Mr Haytack, who is a Town Councillor. These comments are an insult to the office of Town Councillor.
“…a frankly perplexing youth”
“…while his contemporaries are pursuing normal activities like getting laid, hammered and arrested…who constantly teeters on the edge of terminal state of anxiety”
“Simon, dear, have you ever thought of popping down the life shop and getting one”.
- Describing Steve Goodman as a “highways obsessive”
- Describing Tanja Rebel as “pretty well everything obsessive”
- And finally “…the yawn gang in the public gallery”
Simon committed to public service
Surely it is a testament to Mr Haytack that as a member of the younger generation he is committed to this level of public service.
It may surprise Ms Hofton to know that Simon is capable of being “normal” as I met him at IW Festival recently with his friends!
Promoting the common good
I know all these people personally, and have campaigned alongside them, and know their activities are based on promoting the common good and, thank heavens, they do challenge our Council.
I also know that they will all rise above these comments and carry on their activities unabashed and with dignity.
No legitimate grounds for insults
However, some readers who do not know these people may actually take these comments seriously. My particular concern here is the crass disrespect shown to a serving Town Councillor and with no legitimate grounds.
I would also rather stand beside the “yawn gang” and now understand what Cllr Mazillius meant about “rubbish and drivel”!
Lampooning and ridicule
One questions when decisions are being made of the magnitude that will effect future generations of Islanders whether an alleged “humorous” column of this nature is relevant anymore.
I have not had a sense of humour failure and appreciate the supposed aim of this feature is to lampoon and ridicule. The Councillors to some extent are fair game as they are remunerated for the privilege – however Simon, Adrian, Tanja and Steve are not!
Passed its sell-by date
In my humble opinion Ms Hofton’s style of reporting for the County Press on Council Meetings passed its sell-by date a long time ago, and brings an Island institution and much-respected part of the Island’s fabric into disrepute.
As the ONLY local paper you have a duty to your local readers to report these meetings OBJECTIVELY and FACTUALLY.
Public apology in order
There is further irony when four independent individual members of the public have their democratic rights stifled that on the same two pages of the IWCP there are letters from no less than two local (Conservative) County Councillors and the IW Council Chief Executive! The final line of Stuart Hutchinson’s letter was “How much more democratic do we have to get?”
I am looking forwards to reading an unreserved public apology to individuals concerned similar to that afforded to Councillor Ian Stephens following Ms. Hofton’s ill-advised outburst regarding the “State of the Island Debate”.
I also look forward to the County Press having a constructive re-assessment of how it reports events at County Hall – the Island people deserve better.
Yours sincerely, John Luckett
