When I read the article “MP denies broken promise” (Leader, March 21) where it was stated: “Ms Eleni Petinos said, “One of the men in question contacted my office staff to the point of harassment”, it rang loud bells with me.
Over a year ago, I contacted Ms Petinos’ office, seeking an opportunity to speak with Ms Petinos, about a health service issue and the person answering the phone was emphatic that initially I must send an email, stating what I wished to speak with Ms Petinos about.
This is a recognised administrative technique to prevent the matter proceeding any further: a clear rebuff: “Go away!”
In response to this prerequisite being put to me, I calmly and courteously persisted with the staff member in seeking to speak with Ms Petinos – to make an appointment to speak with her in person or over the phone, but got nowhere and I was then accused by the staff member that I was ‘harassing’ him and he terminated the call.
Tragically, it seems that Ms Petinos is just unavailable for her constituents unless it is for a photo opportunity to promote herself.
Moreover, those contacting Ms Petinos’ office seeking to speak with her, should be treated respectfully and sympathetically; not be fobbed off and then have the caller accused of “harassment”, which is its own form of bullying, quite likely to leave the caller distressed, feeling hopeless and reinforced in skepticism about our politicians.
Where are you, Ms Petinos?
Elizabeth Pemberton, Como
