5 days Ago
A councillor has defended his conduct after a resident called him “rude” following an email exchange. Stephen Baldwin contacted The Argus after receiving an email from Conservative Councillor Bob Bowdler, which he says left him “stunned”. The East Sussex resident had emailed a number of councillors to address his concerns regarding the cancelled May elections and the state of roads across the area.
When receiving a response from Cllr Bowdler, Stephen felt the communication was “rude and ignorant”. However, Cllr Bowdler - who represents Wealden East and has been on the council since 2017 - has since apologised and clarified that he never intended to be insulting. Cllr Bowdler's email said: “You are clearly short on facts, on both topics.
“When an election is eventually called, can we expect to see your name on a ballot paper? We, that’s the conservative-led County Council, are doing the best we possibly can for our residents. “There is much we are unable to achieve, but there are reasons for that. None of us signed up to do the wrong thing, we do the best we can with what we have, which is never enough, but someone has to try!” Stephen, 62, explained his frustration following the exchange.
The former school governor said: “I thought the email was so rude and ignorant. “I was stunned. If you say I don’t know what I’m talking about, then educate me.
I have done my research but maybe I got something wrong." Stephen had also sent the email voicing his concerns to several other councillors, many of which Stephen said didn’t respond. He added: “It would have been better he didn’t respond like the 30 others.
Others replied and made their case, defended their position, but at least they weren’t rude.” When approached by The Argus, Cllr Bowdler defended his response. He said: “My reply to Mr Baldwin, whilst direct, was not intended to be insulting.
It was a frank exchange of views on the matters raised and I was merely pointing out that he was at liberty to stand at the next elections – though I recognise that written communication can sometimes come across differently than intended.” He addressed Stephen’s concerns voiced in the email. Cllr Bowdler said: “The elections for May 25 were cancelled by the Government as Sussex was included in the fast-tracked devolution programme.
“Contrary to Mr Baldwin’s email, devolution of East Sussex does not mean governance will be transferred to Brighton. “The proposal is that East Sussex, West Sussex and Brighton will each be a separate unitary Council but with an elected Sussex Mayor as part of a Combined Authority having strategic oversight.” He added: “As a councillor, I’m always willing to engage in open and constructive dialogue with residents, including where views differ.
“I remain happy to speak further with the individual concerned, should he wish to continue the conversation, although he is not a resident of my division.”.
