JENNIFER ARGUE, Local Journalism Initiative reporter
March 31st, 2022
Taylor says the contact was inappropriate and asks where the Reeve got his email address. He’s been an outspoken critic of the RM in the past and regularly comments on social media and once even submitted a letter published in the LMT. His criticism predates the current council, back to the era of former Reeve Howard Arndt.
In the email to Taylor, Reeve Bob Schmidt said he saw his comments, telling him to forward his concerns to the RM or voice them during the council meeting’s open forum. Schmidt also responded to Taylor’s comment about “cleaning house,” telling Taylor he could run in the next election.
The email
Response from Scott to Reeve. Reeve's original email on second page of document.
In responding to the Reeve, Taylor looped in the Editor at LMT. Taylor asserted his right to have an opinion and asked how the Reeve came by his email address. If his contact info was acquired through the RM’s office, it could be a misuse of his personal information. He asked not to be contacted privately to question his opinion in the future. “I do have an opinion, and I am entitled to have one, to how you are doing as an RM Reeve,” said Taylor.
He hasn’t heard from Schmidt. “I made a Facebook comment, so it was really weird to make a FB comment and then all of the sudden, you get a private email from Bob.” Taylor said he wouldn’t care if the Reeve responded in the Facebook thread because that is expected on social media. He hasn’t filed a complaint with the Privacy Commissioner regarding the matter. Taylor stated, “It was a one and done kind of thing. But I still wonder to this day where he got it from. Because if he’s pulling it from their office, then it is a breach of privacy.”
LMT reached out to the Reeve directly but has not had a response by publication.
Note: These reports are abridged for content
