CONFIRMED: Councillor John Arkan Taking Leave For "Personal Reasons"

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Article heading image for CONFIRMED: Councillor John Arkan Taking Leave For "Personal Reasons"

After numerous calls for Coffs Harbour City Councillor John Arkan to stand down, it was confirmed in the latest Council Meeting that the Councillor will take leave until December.

The meeting opened with a motion to grant leave for personal reasons from 28 September until approximately 7 December 2017.

Councillor Rhoades and Councillor Cecato supported the motion with the vote being carried.

In granting the request, Council also, in accordance with section 254A of the Local Government Act, agreed that Cr Arkan’s fees would not be paid during his absence.

It follows two weeks of questions from Coffs Harbour locals over the future of Mr Arkan's position as a Councillor for the Coffs Harbour City Council. Many locals calling for him to step down on grounds of trust or for Council to sack him.

Coffs Harbour City Council claimed a code of conduct would not disqualify him from holding office of Councillor.

In a statement again on Friday, Coffs Harbour City Council said that the following:

"Council would like to emphasise that it has no legislative authority to take action against an individual for matters that are outside Council’s official functions."

Mr Arkan faced court recently on a number driving offences, including driving a vehicle with unauthorised number plates.

When Highway Patrol stopped the Coffs Harbour City Councillor, it was discovered that not only was the bus unregistered and uninsured, but also had number plates for a 1994 Toyota Land Cruiser owned by Arkan, instead of the Toyota Coaster Bus he was driving.

Councillor Arkan pleaded guilty to all charges in front of Magistrate Robert Walker at Coffs Harbour Local Court.

Councillor John Arkan was fined $200 for the illegal u-turn and placed on a 12 month good behaviour bond for the three charges relating to the unregistered vehicle, uninsured vehicle and unauthorised number plates.

Triple M attempted to make contact with Councillor Arkan, giving him an opportunity to speak regarding the incident.

 

29 September 2017




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