Mr Knight,
I am aware that you are in contact with Council officers seeking permission for
photography and filming.
Just today, I have been advised of the comments that you are making in relation
to Kevin Fox and his Partner. Frankly, I am astonished that that you should seek
to single out a Council officer for such treatment. To then turn your comments
to his Partner is nothing short of shameful harassment and behaviour that is
both shocking and bullying in equal measure.
If you wish to have any prospect of serious consideration by the Council in
future you would be well advised not to behave in this way towards a hard
working and well respected employee of the Council.
You have overstepped the mark. Please remove this blog immediately and confirm
to me that you have done so.
Regards
Paul Moore
Director of Customer and Corporate Services London Borough of Bexley
Dear Mr. Moore,
I am well aware that I pushed the boundaries in devoting space to Mr. Fox alone
and I note you consider it to be harassment.
The council and your HR manager in particular totally refused to give any
sensible answer when Kevin Fox decided he could harass me.
He informed me there was no protocol to prevent the taking of photographs before
meetings and said all I need do was inform Mr. Easton before hand.
When I wrote to Mr. Easton it was Mr. Fox who replied saying he refused
permission to take any photographs. An abuse of his power directed at me
personally. I have yet to receive an explanation.
When 2,219 residents of Bexley called for a referendum on salaries it was Kevin
Fox who abused standing orders to manufacture a totally dishonest excuse to
subvert democracy. Kevin Fox effectively harassed the entire population of the
borough.
The war of words will inevitably continue until there is a change of heart by
Bexley council but that will never come under its present leadership.
You appear to follow my output closely so I would expect you to know that I am
happiest when Bexley council is being stupid. I couldn't care less about taking
photographs in the chamber, my interest is in how deeply you and your colleagues
are prepared to dig yourself into the mire over the issue.
There is nothing in yesterday's blog that isn't easily available to anyone with
a computer and as I noted, the research was not mine. You should ask yourself
why large numbers of people are rising up against your despotic council. I
submit it is because the political leadership is thoroughly dishonest and the
senior staff have little option but to protect them. Maybe that is why pay
levels have to be so high.
What realistically do you want me to do about yesterday's blog? Kevin and his
friends have given money to charity and were happy to tell the world via Just
Giving, are you ashamed of that?
Kevin has a pretty girlfriend with a good job. Is he ashamed of that?
Ms. Sampson has laid out her life on the web for all to see and I have given it
further exposure. Is she ashamed of it now?
I am puzzled as to what the real complaint is.
At 12:30 today, Nicholas Dowling and I are due to meet outside the Civic Centre.
If you wish to expand on your request or discuss the whole sorry state of
affairs we would be glad to lend you an ear. Off the record if you prefer.
I know it is your job, but your unique willingness to make contact occasionally
is appreciated.
Regards,
Malcolm Knight
Mr Knight,
Whilst I appreciate that you may have concerns and grievances with the Council
or it's actions, which you believe to be legitimate I cannot accept that
hounding a hard working and well respected officer in this manner is acceptable.
The points that you raise are not of Kevin Fox's doing. You have now crossed any
reasonable boundary by introducing his partner into your blogging.
Again, I am asking you personally and in all seriousness to step back from this
unnecessary escalation. Please remove this material from your Blog immediately.
Please confirm that you have done so - we can then discuss any other requests
and meetings, etc.
Paul Moore
Now you are sounding threatening and you are beginning to annoy me.