Tears over disabled faux park
A Hamilton city councillor with a history of public blunders has made a tearful apology for parking in a disabled parking spot during a council event.
A photo posted to Facebook shows Siggi Henry’s signed campaign car parked over a disabled parking spot at the Hamilton Gardens. Half of the car is pictured within the lines while the other half protrudes out of the park and onto the road.
An emotional Henry told Stuff she has ‘‘no excuse’’ for her error and was sorry to those she had hurt and offended.
‘‘I have never parked like this in my life. It is so out of character for me to do something like that.’’
The botch-up comes less than a month out from the local election in which Henry is standing for council again.
Council candidate Matthew Small posted a picture of Siggi’s parking to Facebook, reminding residents of his policy to increase the fine for such parking to $500, rather than $150.
The status quo ‘‘simply isn’t being effective’’, he said.
Fellow councillor Dave Macpherson posted about Henry’s error, calling it an act of ‘‘disrespectful stupidity’’.
Henry, realising how badly she’d upset people had been feeling ‘‘horrible’’.
‘‘I’m feeling really not well about it. But I’ve done it and I’m so sorry, that’s all I can say.’’
Henry said the parking itself was bad because she was rushing to a citizenship ceremony and hates being late.
Overnight she received many messages from people saying her actions were part of a major, everyday problem – particularly in supermarkets.
‘‘ I would love to do something about this. I just have to keep learning my lessons.’’
It’s not the first time Henry has made headlines for offensive statements and actions.
Earlier this year she apologised for wearing an anti-vaccine t-shirt to an autism awareness event. Weeks later, Henry came under fire for sticking a flu shot ‘‘fact sheet’’ on her office door, stating what she believed to be the dangers of influenza.
And in a 2017 council debate, Henry said falling fat people were a health hazard because they could fall on you.
She also has a history of opposing anti-fluoride, saying ‘‘smarty pants’’ scientists had brainwashed the public.