MAYOR Val Schier has copped flak from ratepayers after the launch of her personal website aimed at increasing her public image.
Residents yesterday continued to vent their anger on cairns.com.au, leaving feedback in relation to the new website.
Valschier.com.au, which has more than 500 subscribers after being launched last week, is not funded by the council.
Comments online ranged from "another example of sheer madness…" to "OMG, another 2.5 years of this. Come back Kevin, all is forgiven".
One comment from jay dee of Redlynch said: "What a waste of cyberspace! Is Val updating this boring site in council hours? If so we’re paying for it…"
Bruce McAlister of Manunda said: "Many notable people have an "I love me wall, with photos of themselves with other more famous people. Val doesn’t know any famous people, so she created an ‘I love me website’. Get a grip, Val."
Cr Schier said she set up the website in an attempt to get closer to her supporters and was also aimed at telling people about a number of positive council projects.
It includes the mayor’s achievements, access to media releases, speeches, photos, press kits and an insight into Cr Schier and her council life.
Some council sources believe the site was set up by Cr Schier because she is dissatisfied with her public image as recently managed by council staff despite 111 releases being sent between March and May this year, compared with 39 in 2008.
Of all of the online comments yesterday, only one was positive.
Patricia Robertson wrote: "Congratulations Val, wonderful move. Keep up the great work. Looking forward to reading your website. I must say that is a lovely photo of you in the weekend post june 20th. Keep smiling and continue to do the work people voted you into do."
