Notice alleging 'inaccuracies' ran before story
Norman Wells mayor says letter on lawsuit does not specifically address News/North article
James O'Connor
Northern News Services
Monday, August 21, 2017
LLI GOLINE/NORMAN WELLS
A notice to the public issued by the mayor of Norman Wells citing inaccuracies in media coverage of a civil legal matter does not single out News/North, according to the mayor.
A screen grab from Town of Norman Wells website This letter from Mayor Nathan Watson was posted on the town's website under the heading, "Mayor's response to News/North article" on July 13. The article wasn't published until July 17. - |
In an interview last week, Mayor Nathan Watson told News/North the July 13 notice wasn't intended to single out any media outlet but to caution the public about allegations contained in a legal matter currently before the courts being quoted in the media.
"It's just public information," said Watson of his notice, noting he has issued similar bulletins in the past. "Nothing I issue publicly is in response to anything in the media."
That being said, the Town of Norman Wells website featured Watson's July 13 notice under the heading "Mayor's response to News/North article."
While other mainstream and social media outlets have publicized allegations in the lawsuit - stemming from a wrongful dismissal suit and a counter suit from the town - News/North published its only article on the matter on July 17 ("Town of Norman Wells faces suit").
That baffling situation drew ire from the holder of a Facebook page entitled Norman Wells Reporter.
"Mayor Watson is making a fool out of himself once again," wrote Karel Meulenbroek on July 14. "To date ... News/North has not published any article about the Town of Norman Wells."
The web page containing the notice has apparently now been taken down but it can still be accessed via its former link.
Meulenbroek is the former town clerk suing his ex-employer for $372,000.
According to court documents dating back to last October, and reported on by News/North in that July 17 story, Meulenbroek is claiming he is owed $72,000 for six months salary and vacation pay for a breach of contract by the town which he claims wrongfully dismissed him.
He is seeking another $100,000 for damages, $100,000 for mental distress and a further $100,000 for punitive and aggravated damages.
Meulenbroek is also suing the town's senior administrative officer Catherine Mallon for defamation.
The town filed a counter claim stating Meulenbroek owes $6,750 for a deceptively claimed travel allowance, $350 to decommission a key and $191 in phone charges.
The town has also defended itself against Meulenbroek's allegations.
In court documents, Meulenbroek's actions at work are described as "inappropriate, insubordinate and unprofessional."
Look for further coverage on the court proceedings in upcoming editions of News/North.
