City official target of slanderous posters
City hall is standing by its manager of indoor facilities after posters defaming Art Manhire's character were placed on posts throughout the downtown area.
City hall is standing by its manager of indoor facilities after posters defaming Art Manhire's character were placed on posts throughout the downtown area.
City manager Stan Westby made that pledge in an interview this morning.
The anonymous page features a photo of Manhire showing off turf at the Canada Games Centre soccer facility. It goes on to argue that Manhire should be removed from his role with the city.
The Star is not publishing the precise contents of the anonymous posters due to their slanderous nature.
In addition to forwarding a copy of the poster to the RCMP and contacting legal counsel on the matter, city staff have taken down the approximately half-dozen copies they have learned of downtown and will continue removing any others that turn up, Westby said.
He encouraged anyone with information about the posters to inform the RCMP.
Statements in the posters are not true, Westby said, noting his shock at the page.
New to the city, having started his job here less than a couple of weeks ago, Westby said he's seen similar campaigns in other areas, but never to this extent.
"I was really surprised,” he said.
He had walked in to work downtown this morning but hadn't noticed the posters until after a call came in to city hall about them at around 10:45.
Manhire is out of town and couldn't be reached for comment.
Westby said he also couldn't reach Manhire, but left a message offering his and the city's "unequivocal support”.
Whitehorse RCMP could not be reached for comment on the case.
Comments (4)
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river runner on Aug 27, 2012 at 7:43 am
This type of smear campaign is gutless.
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anonymous on Aug 25, 2012 at 7:23 am
Freedom of speech and expression...what is the problem?
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Frank Silva on Aug 25, 2012 at 1:01 am
Seriously poster boy? This is how you handle a conflict or difference of opinion? Grow up...
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June Jackson on Aug 24, 2012 at 4:13 pm
I think anyone who runs for office becomes a target the instant they submit their papers..as long as you keep your comments to business and not on ..say..how they manage their home.
However, Mr. Westby is an employee..Its too bad someone has made him a target.. whoever it is..your ire is misplaced. If you have a bone to pick here it should go to whom he reports.. send a note of complaint along to city council.