Mayor praised for ‘separating disruptive councillors’

Alex de Vos
Surf Coast’s mayor has separated two councillors after “constant disruptive behaviour” at council meetings, according to colleagues.
Councillor Ron Humphrey “applauded” Mayor Dean Webster for separating Beth Davidson and Libby Mears.
“Historically there had always been constant bantering and giggling going on between those two to a point where it became intolerable,” he said.
“I made a request to have them moved and at the last meeting they were separated.
“They have very little regard for meeting procedures – they need muzzles.”
Cr Roly Livingstone said Cr Davidson and Cr Mears des-erved their separation for “disruptive behaviour”.
“The mayor has obviously taken some action,” he said.
But Cr Webster denied he stepped in to separate the pair.
“I had nothing to do with the seating arrangements,” he said.
“I really don’t know what’s going on.”
Cr Beth Davidson said she moved seats “out of goodwill” to Cr Humphrey.
“Ron made a silly comment, so Libby and I made the decision to move.”
But Cr Mears denied altering the seating plan for meetings.
“Is this even important? It’s not about the seating arrangements – it’s about the quality of the discussion.”