I think our community should be outraged to learn that Council is using its code of conduct policy to silence councillors who criticise Council policies and decisions in the media.

Kiama Council’s censuring of Councillor Karen Renkema-Lang for expressing a differing viewpoint and bravely representing her constituency is both shocking and anti-democratic. 

This intolerance to criticism aligns with Councils move to also silence the precinct committees that have represented community views for more than 30 years. 

One must ask why free and open exchange of ideas and respect for community views is being curtailed by this increasingly authoritarian Council?

Howard H Jones, Former Councillor