EXCLUSIVE
Wyndham council is investigating claims that former mayor Peter Maynard verbally abused a candidate for next year’s federal election.
Lewis Freeman-Harrison, who plans to contest the seat of Lalor as an independent at the election, has filed a complaint against Cr Maynard following an alleged attack against him on the night of October 29, the date of Wyndham’s mayoral election.
Mr Freeman-Harrison claims he approached Cr Maynard – who had officially relinquished his duties as mayor earlier that day – following the election of the new mayor to congratulate him on completing his term.
“In a friendly gesture, I extended my hand to greet him,” Mr Freeman-Harrison said.
“In return, he squeezed my hand, very hard, and pulled myself forward toward him in an aggressive and threatening manner.”
He claims Cr Maynard then made a comment referring to Mr Feeman-Harrison’s campaign page, on which he states that the Tarneit library should have been named after a community volunteer rather than a former prime minister and politician.
Mr Freeman-Harrison said he thought it best to walk away, but says he heard Cr Maynard make a disparaging comment about him to others in the room.
Mr Freeman-Harrison, who has Aspergers syndrome – a developmental disorder classified under the autism spectrum – said Cr Maynard’s behaviour and comments were unacceptable.
He is demanding a public apology from the former mayor.
“It’s disappointing because he signed the code of conduct that night, saying that he’s going to represent this community as a councillor,” Mr Freeman-Harrison said..
“I am completely and utterly offended and disgusted with his behaviour.
“I have made it very public on my website and in several discussions with councillors and on other forums that I have Aspergers,” he said.
“I take this … very personally because it’s not something I expected to come from someone in that position.”
Cr Maynard refused to comment on the matter when contacted by Star Weekly.
Wyndham council chief executive Kelly Grigsby said the complaint was being investigated in accordance with council policy and the councillor code of conduct.
“Given an investigation is under way, no further comments can be made at this stage,” Ms Grigsby said.
