August 2, 2012

Community Misled And Let-Down By Moselen – Says Community Board Chair

Ōtaki Community Board Chair James Cootes confirms he has instructed the Chief Executive of Kāpiti Coast District Council to accept Don Moselen’s resignation following his guilty plea on charges of dishonesty in the Levin District Court yesterday.

“I’m pleased he has resigned as it had put the Board in a very awkward position due to the rules around conduct, which I think need to be reviewed,” he said.

Mr Cootes says he is disappointed by news of the three-term board member, and former chair’s, offending and the extent of his past crimes.

“Others have been clearly duped by him in the past and now our community has been misled and let-down by his actions,” he says.

Mayor Jenny Rowan says she has been “shocked” by what she has learnt about Mr Moselen’s past.

“He has let me down, he’s also let the Council, the Community Board and his own community down – we all feel duped by him.” she says.

Jenny Rowan says Mr Moselen presented as a committed and effective board member and she wrote a reference for him “in good faith” because she was unaware of his previous record of dishonesty.

“I usually have fairly good judgement about people but I didn’t see this coming and was well and truly taken in by his convincing facade. I’m sure most of the community was too.”

Mayor Rowan says she is considering writing to the Local Government Minister recommending routine police checks for people standing for local office.

Mr Cootes confirms a by-election will be held to fill the vacancy created by Mr Moselen’s resignation and said in spite of the circumstances the Ōtaki Community Board was “in good heart”.

“I want our strong community of Ōtaki to know that as a board we continue to work hard on their behalf and people can have total confidence in the board. We look forward to the appointment of a new board member and getting on with the business of representing our community’s best interests.

ENDS

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