THE disabled community in Cornwall has been rocked to the core by the disgraceful comments of councillor, Collin Brewer.
To suggest that not only do disabled children cost Cornwall Council too much money, but that they should have been “put down” is outrageous and unbelievable.
As the mother of a disabled child, born prematurely at 29 weeks, who fought hard to survive, and has had to cope every day of his 16 years with the challenges that his disability presents him with, to suggest that he would have been better to have been “put down”- words fail me.
Collin Brewer can have no feelings, no sympathy, or empathy, with any of his constituents, especially not those living with disabilities, so how can he be a representative for anyone? For surely no one can agree with his statement.
He could not be allowed to continue to hold a position as councillor, for his views bring the entire council into disrepute, and call into question everything they have ever stated previously concerning equality and equal rights, as he obviously is no supporter of these beliefs.
Whatever happened to “Every Disabled Child Matters”?
Did Collin Brewer miss that meeting? Or did he just not sign up to that particular policy? Or, as was suggested on Radio Cornwall this morning, did he miss out on some training? Do people actually require training in order to behave as decent human beings?
His subsequent comment, that this was merely a flippant remark in conversation only serves to make him seem even worse in my eyes.
In the report I saw on the BBC, he seemed almost to be laughing, like it was just a silly mistake.
Certainly in terms of his political career it has been a big mistake, and for the electorate it is better that we see who we are really dealing with, and what they really believe, however shocking that may be.
It is time for a change, time to have truly genuine people in positions that matter, people who will really make a difference and help everyone in our society.
I believed that his remaining as a member of this council was wholly untenable, and I was glad to hear of his resignation, although I do feel that perhaps he should not have been given the chance to resign and instead the council should have acted sooner and dismissed him.
Judy Payne Penryn (full address supplied)
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