Defeated Councillors Are Again Private Citizens
Posted by auroracitizen on November 26, 2010
Just a gentle reminder that we have a new Council — which means that defeated outgoing Council members are no longer in public service. They are now private citizens.
Which means, as private citizens, they are no longer an appropriate subject for discussion — the same rules that apply to other private citizens. So when framing your comments — please keep this in mind 🙂
And let’s not dwell on the past actions of the defeated; let’s leave them behind, together with the defeated — where the voters of this community decided they belonged.
Let’s focus on future and leave the past where it belongs — with yesterday newspaper.
Aurora Citizen 
Anonymous said
Wow! I don’t blame you in a way given your legal issues for giving this warning. However, are you telling me Jean Chretien or Brian Mulroney are no longer fodder legally? Once you have crossed into the realm of public can you really un-ring the bell? Won’t our defeated incumbents make statements over the next 4 years to try to reposition themselves for elected office and we can say nothing in response?
In Hustler Magazine, Inc. v. Falwell (which in the US is the case law regarding public “figures” and parody or criticism) you do not have to be elected to necessarily be considered public.
Do we have less rights? Oh I forgot, Mulroney sued didn’t he and won
evelyn.buck said
Private citizens protect their privacy by maintaining privacy.
When a citizen projects views into the public domain, be it a comment in a blog or in a public forum, he can expect to encounter challenge.
In a civilized society he should not expect to be abused but it can happen and it goes with the territory.
someone who loves this town more than politics said
Seeing as the point is being raised, I would like a point of clarification : doesn’t the existing council remain in effect until the 30th? Until then do they not have the ability to call another special meeting?
Until December 1st are not the outgoing councilors and mayor still are elected officials, not private citizens?
Or am I missing something?
I understand the post, just looks like it was rushed out of the gate a little early.
auroracitizen said
Technically you are right — but hope springs eternal 🙂
October Came, Thanks were Given said
“they are no longer an appropriate subject for discussion”
Ahh, but is it still appropriate for the Aurora taxpayers to fund their lawsuit?
Was it ever so?