Frankston Times 31 August 2021

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Tuesday 31 August 2021

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Library in lockdown

ALTHOUGH doors to local libraries may be shut, members can still access eBooks and movies during lockdowns. The Survivors by Jane Harper has been the most borrowed eBook during lockdown. Four novels by Julia Quinn rounded out the top five. Frankston City Libraries also began using Kanopy for movie streaming last year. Library members can use the app to watch free films and TV shows on demand. Frankston Library staff have continued working hard to entertain, inform, and connect with people while everyone is stuck inside. They still run three live story time sessions each week on Facebook, 11am on Tuesdays and Thursdays as well as 6pm each Monday. Acting libraries manager Laura Antoniak said “we know Storytime brings so much joy to children and families and while we can’t be together, the popular Storytime sessions are being held online with Bev, Kerry and Monica. Sometimes in these unsettling times, it’s nice to see a familiar face. We hope you can join us!” To watch a story time session visit facebook.com/FrankstonCityLibraries Picture: Supplied

Rebel councillor suspended over Facebook posts Brodie Cowburn brodie@baysidenews.com.au FRANKSTON councillor Steven Hughes has been suspended for a month. The suspension was handed down last week after the conclusion of a drawn out arbitration process between the newly elected councillor and Frankston Council itself. Council applied to start arbitration in March in response to Facebook posts made by Cr Hughes about council policy and spending. The suspension will run for one

month beginning on 31 August. Cr Steven Hughes had landed himself in trouble because of Facebook posts likening council’s local laws to those in the Soviet Union and North Korea. On 1 March, Cr Hughes wrote on his page that the application of council’s new social media policy would “make a mockery of basic human rights” and “make Kim JonUn nod in approval” (“Councillors seek arbitration to resolve Facebook dispute” The Times 9/3/21). Cr Hughes told The Times he was “disappointed” in the outcome of the arbitration. “I don’t agree with the decision handed down,” he said. “I

refused the option to offer an apology and instead chose suspension from council. “While I will not offer an apology to council, I will ask forgiveness from Frankston residents. This was a David vs Goliath affair and I gave much time and resources preparing my case but sadly it wasn’t enough against an army of council ratepayerfunded lawyers. Almost a year ago, I ran for council, not for political fame or money, but because I wanted to make Frankston a better place for all of us to live. I recognize that by being suspended I have let you down, particularly to those who voted for

me, and I unreservedly apologise to you for this. I will reflect on the outcome of this decision and upon my return will work hard and be the best representative for Frankston residents I can be.” The one month period is the maximum length an arbiter can suspend a councillor for. The Times asked council for the cost of the process to ratepayers, but was told by council CEO Phil Cantillon that “at this stage, the total cost of the arbitration process has not been finalised”. He also confirmed that Cr Hughes would not receive his remuneration entitlements during his

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suspension, and will not be able to access council resources. The mayor Kris Bolam welcomed the decision, saying “the unanimous misconduct findings against Steven Hughes by an impartial umpire, and their subsequent decision to award the most stringent penalty available to them, validates council’s decision to get on with the job of endeavouring to get our community through this pandemic while referring Steve Hughes conduct to what was an independent process for deliberation.” Continued page 2


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