Why Len Brown has to go: Caught with his pants down

Why Len Brown has to go: Caught with his pants down

Thakur Ranjit Singh

“I died twice and became the mayor of Auckland Super City. I know what it is to come back from the dead – and win,” proclaimed a jovial mayor of Auckland City, Len Brown, to a multi-ethnic audience who were attending a two-day Office of Ethnic Affairs (EthnicA) conference in Greenlane, Auckland, over two years ago.

The Deadly pair: Mayor Len Brown with his downfall, Bevan Chuang. Is she Helen of Troy? [NZ Heral Photo]

Len Brown was referring to collapse, ill-health and incidents that nearly see him die. He had praised his wife for looking after him. But he did not blink an eyelid when he reportedly seduced Bevan Chuang’ and had adulterous relations with her while in office, at office hours and in office premises. According to NZ Herald report, she said a security guard once found her naked with Mr Brown in the Ngati Whatua room in the Town Hall .The pair also had sex in Mr Brown's council office, according to the 32-year-old woman, who happens to be a member of Ethnic Peoples Advisory Panel (EPAP) and also an employee of the Council at Auckland Art Gallery.

Mayor Brown (third from left, sitting) with Bevan directly behind Mayor Brown, with members of Ethnic Peoples Advisory Panel (EPAP) The lover was well disguised in an advisory committee.

The fact that this information came out after the Local Government Election can be tagged as Len being “saved by the bell.”  John Palino was already breathing at Len’s neck according to some polls and made a credible opposition to hitherto unchallenged run for Brown. This was revealed in the results which showed Palino has mustered over 100,000 votes with only just over 30% voter turnout. The gap was some 50,000. If people just has a whiff of this affair before voting, there is no doubt that over 20,000 people would have changed their voting pattern and Len would never have been elected.

JOHN PALINO-provided very credible opposition to Len Brown. He is now Mayor-In-waiting. Following removal of Len Brown, there is going to be a By-Election, and Palino is tipped as the next most credible candidate and probable Mayor.

Therefore on this logic alone, Len has no moral right to the Mayoral chair. This is because people voted in a respectable family man as their mayor. Peoples character count a great deal, and no right thinking person would vote in an adulterous person as the first citizen of the city.

The detailed, embarrassing and intimate sexual encounter, revealed through affidavit –signed information provided by Chuang, have been the death knell to Len’s second-term ambition of the Mayoral chair. And there appears to be little chance of Len Brown to come from this metaphorical death even once, let alone twice.

Free Trade Agreement with China? It appears the Chinese beauty felt being used by the mayor, according to reports. [NZ Herald photo]

Now just imagine for a moment, what respectability will he hold, when invited to Muslim Eid festival, Chinese New year, Hindu festival of Diwali and multitudes of multiracial and multi-religious occasions which seek people of high respectability and honour. Would they invite a deceiving, cheating, adulterous and untrustworthy person to perform duties at honourable, religious and respectable festivals and occasions? Would Auckland’s over 50 per cent of ethnic communities accept such a person to honour their events? What respectability would this bestow to these respectable occasions? In 2012 Diwali, Len Brown was the Chief Guest at Waitakere Diwali at Trusts Stadium. He lighted the religious Diya (candle) signifying opening of an auspicious Diwali. After what has taken place, would Len Brown ever be considered suitable to perform this respectable and honourable duty? Same applies to other communities as well.

Honourably duties by a dishonourable man? Mayor Brown lighting Diya (special candle) during Waitakere Diwali 2012. Would he be considered suitable for future such solemn duties after revelations of adulterous affair by Bevan?

Would husbands feel safe to have their wives/partners working for the mayoral office? Would parents feel same with their daughters? Has the mayoral office not been tarnished, degraded and belittled by a randy, seductive and sexually-looses first citizen of the largest city in New Zealand?

Now listen, this is a personal matter. Really? Sir, you are Mayor 24 hours a day. You used Council time, Council premises and Council personnel to perform adultery and dishonourable acts not suited to the first citizen of the city. This is clear abuse of office. and dereliction of duties calling for impeachment or removal. Please, do the honourable thing.

Among reasons other writers will unearth, aren’t these enough to see Len Brown go as Mayor of Auckland. If he does not go voluntarily, then should he not be impeached or voted out with a no-confidence vote?

Being the first citizen of the city almost a third of New Zealand’s population carry immense responsibility, decorum and demeanour. Anybody tarnishing this honourable image through reckless character has no moral right to occupy this office.

Len Brown, you are unsuitable to be the Mayor of our City. Therefore, either you go, or you will be removed.

Len Brown is no exception. He is an undeserving person to be the first citizen, or mayor of Auckland City. Therefore, he must go, or be removed.

[E-mail: thakurji@xtra.co.nz]