It would appear that the City of Joondalup mayor, Troy Pickard, met his match in the form of irate pensioner advocate Mike O’Brien.  The following exchange of niceties took place during public question time.

Pickard: Come forward Mr O’Brien, state your name and address and ask your question.

O’Brien: Thank you Mr Mayor, my name is Mike O’Brien, president of the Australian Pensioners and Superannuation League WA and one of two vice-presidents of the Australian Pensions Superannuation Federation. In the current 2000′s climate, when swearing and profane language seem to be accepted as being the norm, last Tuesday 14th of April, it was encouraging to hear you upholding an approach to have socially acceptable language used when the briefing session was being addressed by a member of the public. My question is: If I was to describe elected members and administrative municipal officers, who support the continued use of Section 6.35 of the local Government Act 1995 and continue pillaging pensioners’ pennies are by such actions elevating themselves to the level of sewer rats, would you like me to withdraw the comment?

Pickard: Yes

O’Brien”: Thank you Mr Mayor. The sewer rats will be delighted.

Inside Cover duly awarded this week’s Exceptional Use of Alliteration In a Local Government Setting on Mr O’Brien for his pithy “pillaging pensioners’ pennies” put-down.

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