Incumbent Greens Byron Shire Councillor and 2024 mayoral candidate Sarah Ndiaye was on her way to another Meet the Candidates event as she typed a response to scathing criticism shared publicly last week from a former councillor.
Former Labor Byron Shire Councillor Jan Hackett sat on the council with Ms Ndiaye for five years until her retirement in 2021.
Her letter to the editor in last week’s print edition of The Echo and online prompted outcry from outgoing Independent Councillor Cate Coorey, prompting Ms Ndiaye to speak for herself.
‘It’s a shame to see Jan Hackett’s letter about me in the last Echo,’ the Greens candidate wrote on Monday afternoon.
‘Working on a council for five years, it’s inevitable that disagreements with other councillors will arise from time to time.
‘It’s part of being a councillor and being a good local representative; being prepared to argue the case for the community when necessary, and being able to let it go and continue to look for opportunities to work together is imperative.
‘I see it as an important part of my role as a councillor.
‘While I generally have very good relationships with fellow councillors, Jan and I did disagree on many matters during her time on council, I always endeavoured to work constructively with her throughout the term.
‘Of the motions she did pass, I supported her on the ones I could, like getting an Arts and Culture Officer and improving the relevant policy documents.
‘As councillors we don’t always agree, we’re not supposed to, but we do need to keep working productively together to get the best outcomes for our community.
‘If I have the privilege of being Mayor, and if not, I look forward to working collaboratively with my fellow councillors as I have over the past eight years.
‘I want to support us all to help achieve what we can for the Shire over the next four years.
‘Everyone has unique skills and passion to bring to the table.
‘I’ve spoken very positively about all the candidates; it’s a difficult role and takes courage to put yourself out there in that way.
‘I’m grateful the community have so many to chose from as it’s a much healthier democratic process that way.
‘It’s a shame Jan hasn’t seen it that way, and has resorted to a personal attacks on my character.
‘I wish her all the best, and thank her for her contributions during her time in council.’
The Echo invited the leader of the 2024 Byron Shire Council Labor ticket, Asren Pugh, to comment but did not receive a reply by deadline.
Ms Hackett is not on the 2024 Labor ticket.
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