Glenorchy Alderman Angela Ryan cleared of bullying after sending poo emoji in emails to Kelly Sims

An alderman cleared of a code of conduct complaint over a poo emoji has told her fellow councillors they need to “get back to serving the people” of the city. READ THE EMAILS >>

A GLENORCHY alderman who was cleared of bullying and harassment after sending a poo emoji, followed by several emails telling a fellow alderman to resign, has told the council it should get back to serving the city.

Ald Angela Ryan was the subject of a code of conduct complaint after she sent Ald Kelly Sims a poo emoji in March, followed by three emails from her council email address saying she should resign.

In October, the code of conduct panel dismissed the complaint, concluding Ald Ryan did not bully or harass Ald Sims.

In its determination report, the panel said there was no dispute from either party as to the authenticity of the emails.

During the Glenorchy Council meeting on Monday, Ald Ryan addressed the situation.

“I just want to quickly put into perspective, we have people in our community with real needs,” Ald Ryan said.

“We have people in our community with real problems, we have potholes to fill.

“So I think we should get back to what we were sent here to do and that is serving the good people of Glenorchy.”

Poo emojis fly as emails between aldermen sour

A Glenorchy alderman said she felt like she’d been taken back to high school after she was sent a poo emoji and several emails calling for her resignation from a fellow alderman.

Ald Kelly Sims made a code of conduct complaint after she received an email consisting of a single poo emoji, followed by a string of separate emails telling her to resign — a complaint which was dismissed.

Ald Sims alleged Ald Angela Ryan breached the code on 18 grounds — 17 of which were dismissed without investigation.

Glenorchy City Council Alderman Kelly Sims was sent a poo emoji by another Alderman with the complaint being dismissed. Picture Nikki Davis-Jones

The emails sent by Ald Ryan.

The panel chose to investigate one complaint alleging a breach of 7.1 of the code — that a councillor must treat all persons fairly, must not cause any reasonable person offence of embarrassment and must not bully or harass someone.

Ald Sims told the Mercury the messages from Ald Ryan were sent within the span of 20 minutes, all from her Glenorchy City Council email address in March.

She said an email containing a poo emoji was sent at 6.03pm, “apologise or resign,” was sent at 6.05pm, “apologise AND resign,” was received at 6.11pm and “resign” was received eight minutes later.

Ald Sims said the emails were unprofessional and inappropriate.

“It was like nothing I’ve encountered in my adult life, especially from a leader who’s supposed to be a role model,” Ald Sims said.

“It just took me back to high school.”

The bizarre email chain was sent after Ald Sims emailed all aldermen about the events of a planning meeting where she spoke via video link, alleging one of the directors pulled faces when she spoke.

In its determination report, the code of conduct panel said there was no dispute from either party as to the authenticity of the emails.

The panel noted on the YouTube stream of the meeting, the director did not appear on screen.

“In response to the complaint Ald Ryan asserted that her actions were taken to defend a valued and respected council employee and were proportionate and appropriate in the circumstances,” the panel said.

Glenorchy Alderman Angela Ryan. PICTURE: MATT THOMPSON

All three parts of 7.1 were later dismissed.

“It is the panel’s opinion that during the cut and thrust of debate of local government matters, some heated exchanges occur,” the panel said.

“Whilst Ald Ryan used an emoji and intemperate language in her communication with Ald Sims, the panel assessed that a reasonable person would not think this was unfair in the circumstances, particularly that Ald Ryan was seeking to defend a respected council employee from what she considered to be an attack.”

It was concluded “Ald Ryan did not bully or harass Ald Sims”.

“Whilst she made broad allegations about Ald Ryan’s behaviour, she did not provide any evidence that Ald Ryan displayed any unreasonable and sustained unwarranted behaviour towards her,” the report said.

Ald Sims said she felt disenfranchised when the complaint was dismissed.

“I put my hand up for this job knowing it would be intense,” Ald Sims said.

“I didn’t realise this type of behaviour would be accepted and part of the normal culture.

“Astoundingly they also found no issue in her using council office on several occasions to bombard abuse at me.

“As proven here, aldermen can abuse their peers, demand resignations and even send poop emojis using council office with no course of justice for those wronged.”

Ald Sims said a support discussion was offered, but she felt it was “token”.

Ald Ryan was contacted for comment.