This morning (September 25), Councillor Allan Hunter made a public apology at his campaign office as controversy grows regarding posts made on his social media accounts.

Controversy was first sparked earlier this month after Hunter posted an image to Facebook and Twitter that prominently featured a symbol associated with Strasserism, a strand of Nazism. The image had no accompanying caption from Hunter. After members of the public questioned Hunter's post, it was removed from his accounts without explanation.

In an interview with AIR 106.1FM two days after the post in question, Hunter apologized, saying the post was meant to decry such forms of offensive imagery, but his lack of social media prowess resulted in a misunderstanding that blew up to a controversy. Hunter also said when he posted the image, he was not aware of its significance.

Some members of the public on social media were skeptical of the apology. One commentor wrote, "First Mr Hunter says he posted it to stop people from sending stuff like this and then he says he didn't know the meaning? Which one is it? Others can accept his explanation and apology but I personally find it to be insincere and just another excuse for bad behaviour." Another commentor wrote, "Wait. He didn't know what it was. He also wanted to tweet about how offensive this thing he didn't know was. And he told people it was about his friend who killed himself. This is confusing." That post was accompanied by a screenshot of an exchange between two Facebook users, in which one claimed Hunter's post was made in regards to a friend and veteran who had recently committed suicide.

Meanwhile on September 9, a new page called Concerned Airdrie Voters was created. According to the page's "About" section, the page is run by, "A group of Airdrie citizens drawing attention to the social media of Cllr. Allan Hunter."

The page is updated once or twice daily with screenshots of derogatory memes posted to Hunter's Facebook page aimed at Islam, the transgender community and liberals in general. The page currently has 123 likes.

At the Council meeting on September 18, resident Kevin Hughes went before Council during public question period to discuss the need for a code of conduct specifically dealing with social media. Hughes distributed screenshots of some of Hunter's posts to members of council during his request. Hughes also asked the Council to make a public, on the record statement regarding the posts. Mayor Peter Brown said he would not make a public statement until he had a chance to review the material presented by Hughes. When Hughes came forward, Hunter rose and left Council chambers, and returned once Hughes had finished.

On Friday (September 22), Hunter invited members of the press to attend a public apology he would be giving at his campaign office this morning.

"These recent events have taught me that my ignorance of social media can be hurtful not helpful," said Hunter this morning. "I will maintain my compassion, conviction and perseverance for my neighbours in Airdrie but not without expert help in social media."

Hunter said he now wants to move on and focus on the issues that matter to him and the city.

"I'm going to put this behind me because I want the conversation in Airdrie to be about Airdrie not Allan Hunter. This is a city of 65,000 people that has some huge problems like domestic violence and traffic. We need to quit talking about Allan Hunter and let's start talking about Airdrie."

 

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