The constituent, Karen Jones, explained why she has demanded an apology after what was said Thursday night:
" I said 'after 15 years of neglect and arrogance from the MP who is known as the 'Charlie Sheen of Parliament Hill' I am shopping for a new representative, so this question is for Darrell Rankin and Allan Wise {ed note- the Communist and Liberal candidates} : 'What would you do to ensure that you don't lose touch with the constituency?'
The moderator said that Pat could have an opportunity to answer and I said, ok, lets get on with it."
TGCTS has acquired an audio recording of his remarks, and this is what Pat Martin said to the audience:
"I know some people are frustrated and I know the questioner has been barred essentially from my office -- we don't always take her calls. But my staff is a unionized staff, they have a right to refuse unsafe work, they have a panic button under their desk, and when they're being harassed or treated badly they have a right to deny that person access to the office, especially after multiple, disagreeable visits. They don't have to take abuse, and, uh, as a former union rep I wouldn't ask them to."
Jones, who is well regarded for her work with the Omand's Creek residents group and on environmental issues was floored:
"I have never been to his office even once. I don't even know where it is".
Earlier this week, TGCTS exclusively reported that Martin had been forced to issue a written apology to a different woman in Winnipeg Centre whom he had falsely accused of having been under a restraining order, in a response to her question at an April 12 town hall about whether he actually lived in the riding.
"My staff has informed me that I had you confused with another constituent who has been banned by our office for harassment." he wrote to Kim Calder.
"Well, he is still confused" said Jones, a university instructor and community environmentalist.
She maintains that a pattern has emerged of how Pat Martin responds to women who criticize his record during this campaign.
" The politics in this province has become dysfunctional but the dysfunction has become considered normal among the ruling class. He thinks it is normal to attack people with impunity if it will get him reelected."
Jones called NDP national leader Jack Layton's office on Friday to complain and has not been called back.
An email was sent to Martin's campaign manager Friday morning that Jones also copied to her lawyer :
Date: Fri, 29 Apr 2011 11:23:52 -0500
Hi Keith Bellamy,
Last night at an all candidates meeting at Magnus Eliason Recreation Centre Pat Martin publically identified me as someone who action had to be taken against because I threatened the safety of his staff. I do not appreciate my reputation being diminished in front of a large audience. This false accusation must be corrected immediately. I expect a signed letter of apology by the end of this working day. For these purposes I will accept an attachment as an e-mail. Thanks for your co-operation. Karen Jones
When contacted by TGCTS, Bellamy said "we do not comment about our interaction with individual constituents", adding he was not at the meeting and had not heard Martin's remarks.
Last night at an all candidates meeting at Magnus Eliason Recreation Centre Pat Martin publically identified me as someone who action had to be taken against because I threatened the safety of his staff. I do not appreciate my reputation being diminished in front of a large audience. This false accusation must be corrected immediately. I expect a signed letter of apology by the end of this working day. For these purposes I will accept an attachment as an e-mail. Thanks for your co-operation. Karen Jones
When contacted by TGCTS, Bellamy said "we do not comment about our interaction with individual constituents", adding he was not at the meeting and had not heard Martin's remarks.
The April 26 meeting at Magnus Eliason Community Centre was organized by the Spence Neighborhood Association, West Broadway Development Corporation, Daniel McIntyre - St. Matthews Community Association, and the West Central Women's Resource Centre.
Related: http://www.smalldeadanimals.com/archives/016664.html
Distantly related: http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/mystery-flyer-bashes-outspoken-mp-martin-121017109.html
Follow us on Twitter: @TGCTS
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=2344284529
