No plans to sue Ed James

Gosford Council has no intention of taking legal action against Umina activist Mr Edward James, according to council's director of corporate services Mr Nic Pasternatsky.

Following a question without notice from Cr Peter Freewater at a council meeting on July 7, the issue of taking legal action against Mr James was put to general manager Mr Peter Wilson.

Cr Freewater made mention to Mr Edward's paid advertisements in the Peninsula News, in particular, one half-page advertisement that appeared on May 4, stating that the mayor and deputy mayor of Gosford were liars.

"The mayor apparently lied in regard to the statement that 'Mr James had made several hundred complaints to other agencies and Gosford Council, none of which had been validated'," Cr Freewater said.

"The deputy mayor apparently lied in regard to the statement that 'the pipes at Piles Creek could not possibly rust because they were made of a special plastic'.

"Given how poorly this article reflects on council, does this council intend to take action against Mr James and if not, why not?"

In response, Mr Wilson said he was "not aware" of any plans to take action in regard to "that piece of information".

"I would suggest that, if council wants to have a discussion on any legal action, the appropriate place would be in council's confidential session," Mr Wilson said.

Mr Pasternatsky confirmed to Peninsula News that council had passed no resolution to proceed with legal action against Mr James.

Council agenda Q.94, 7 Jul 2009 Clare Graham, 18 Aug 2009 Nic Pasternatsky, Gosford Council