Grant Mayor Richard Sage gagged over ‘unacceptable’ behaviour

The battle to rein in a country mayor continues with elected members hitting back with a strong message.

A country mayor has been heavily reprimanded by elected members who have labelled his continued behaviour and attitude “unacceptable.”

Councillor Megan Dukalskis moved a vote of no confidence against Grant Council Mayor Richard Sage limiting his speaking rights as mayor earlier this week.

“I firmly believe that Mayor Richard Sage is failing in his role,” Ms Dukalskis said on Thursday.

Grant Mayor Richard Sage walking into the council meeting ahead of his a public apology after the SA Ombudsman found he committed misconduct. Picture: Jessica Ball

Mr Sage was previously found to have committed misconduct by the SA Ombudsman.

The vote which passed five to two, prohibits the mayor from officiating formal or informal events, including town meetings and drop-in sessions or meeting with ministers or government officials.

It also prevents him from being “the representative of council” but will remain chair at council meetings.

Ms Dukalskis took issue with what she said was a continual lack of communication and unwillingness to act as a team player with the council

She claimed he had on numerous occasions failed to “communicate with elected members” about important meetings including one with opposition leader Peter Malinauskas.

“(He invited) 60 guests to an afternoon tea with the Governor at the Port MacDonald Community Complex without notifying or inviting elected member for Port MacDonald,” Ms Dukalskis said.

Mayor Sage also came under fire for failing to apologise to councillor Little and her family for “derogatory” comments.

“I didn’t really want to do this, but I felt like we’ve got no other choice,” Ms Dukalskis said.

“We’re, unhappy with his behaviour and his attitude towards the elected members.

“He’s had opportunities to apologise to Cr Little — we’ve moved it as a motion and he said he’s not going to, which is unacceptable … it was awful what happened to her and her family.”

Deputy Mayor Gil Clayfield said the vote sends a message “that his behaviour won’t be tolerated”.

“It sends a message to the community that he is not behaving as he should in his role,” Mrs Clayfield said.

The ban will extend on until the end of the current council term date in November 2022.

Mayor Richard Sage has been contacted for comment.