He's been at it again...
If you know Shire President Tony Pratico you know he likes to influence people behind the scenes, whispering half-truths and rumours on street corners and taking pot-shots at people from behind the screen of "you didn't hear this from me..."
He's quoted in today's Manjimup paper, sympathetic over the demise of the Green Door, which has occurred because after more than a year of illegal operation, it has closed because the Council finally got around to asking them to conform to building and health by-laws. "We had a complaint," he explained.
He knows the complaint was made by me. He wants people to ask, "Who complained?" so he can mumble my name into their ear.
Once again, Pratico has missed the point because he always plays the man and not the ball.
I shouldn't have had to complain. I waited more than a year for the authorities to do something before I did.
Pratico, his fellow councillors and the Council were aware there was a new entertainment venue open in town and it was obviously in a place which was not properly set up as a public venue.
The question is, why do they enforce the rules for some, and not others?
It's hard to imagine a clearer example of "playing the man and not the ball" than this blog.
ReplyDeleteThe Green Door's many supporters have know about the complaint for about two months through the shire's officers, who, quite rightly, wouldn't reveal who made it.
Now we know.
It has been a constant struggle to maintain the Green Door, not primarily as an "entertainment venue", but as an entirely not-for-profit, volunteer-driven effort to develop local music-making and build its support. With some success - and to everyone's benefit (not least, in the long run, Bridgetown's pubs).
Sadly for all involved, your complaint has brought that struggle to a swift end.
- Steve Packer (Short & Curly)
Hi Steve, I think you are missing the point. Surely you not suggesting those behind the Green Door should have been allowed to operate a public venue which did not meet health and safety standards and licensing conditions which apply to everyone else?
ReplyDeleteIt was not my complaint that brought things to an end, it was the need for compliance with community standards.
Don't shoot the messenger!
We've taken up a collection to get you a horse, a hat and a star.
ReplyDeleteNothing in it yet...