NewsBite

Mayor extends hand to Tozer opponents in showdown at Mudgeeraba

Mayor Tom Tate is under fire for his pre-poll behaviour where despite the warnings about social distancing due to coronavirus he embraced two candidates standing against rival Glenn Tozer.

Coronavirus misinformation is out of control

MAYOR Tom Tate is under fire for his pre-poll behaviour where despite the warnings about social distancing due to coronavirus he embraced two candidates standing against rival Glenn Tozer.

A Nerang resident in an email to the Bulletin called out the Mayor’s “appalling behaviour” at the Mudgeeraba showgrounds pre-poll, embracing candidates Mary-Anne Hossack and Keith Douglas despite all the expert government and official advice.

Mayor Tom Tate with candidate Mary-Anne Hossack at pre-polling.
Mayor Tom Tate with candidate Mary-Anne Hossack at pre-polling.

“The Mayor was hugging up at point-blank range to people for photos. The level of ignorance and disdain for public safety is next level all things considered,” the resident wrote.

Cr Tozer said: “We’re all learning about how to interact under these new social distancing guidelines. I was disappointed to see the other Division 9 candidates and Ros Bates MP disregard the social distancing directions to pose for photos together with Tom Tate, and then sponsor posts promoting their behaviour on their Facebook pages.

Mayor Tom Tate with candidate Keith Douglas at pre-polling.
Mayor Tom Tate with candidate Keith Douglas at pre-polling.

“It’s no secret that Councillor Tate prefers councillors who will agree with him and overlook his bad behaviour. I will continue to report suspected misconduct when I see it, and report misleading remarks made to the public, which is my legal obligation as a councillor.

Gold Coast Council Poll: Glenn Tozer vows to continue to be council’s watchdog

You Decided Gold Coast Bulletin Election Forums, . Divisions 6, 8, 9, and 11 held at the Southport RSL club in Southport, Division 9 candidates Glenn Tozer . Picture: Jerad Williams
You Decided Gold Coast Bulletin Election Forums, . Divisions 6, 8, 9, and 11 held at the Southport RSL club in Southport, Division 9 candidates Glenn Tozer . Picture: Jerad Williams

Cr Tate has declined to comment on criticisms of his social distancing.

Cr Tozer told a Bulletin election forum last week that he would vote for Cr Tate’s rival Mona Hecke and was opposed to a cableway to Springbrook.

Both Ms Hossack and Mr Douglas said at the forum they know the Mayor and support his plan to investigate the project.

Add your comment to this story

To join the conversation, please Don't have an account? Register

Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout

Original URL: https://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/news/gold-coast/council-election-2020/mayor-extends-hand-to-tozer-opponents-in-showdown-at-mudgeeraba/news-story/bd8145a35fef83ba6a7e6fb18af1b619