Mayor Peter Carter is suing former mayor Camilo Blanco over claims he made in an online video

Port Hedland Mayor Peter Carter has launched a defamation action against former mayor Camilo Blanco. A Supreme Court writ shows Cr Carter is suing Mr Blanco for damages over claims he made during the May 31 Port Hedland ordinary council meeting and in an online video. At the Town of Port Hedland’s May 31 council meeting, Mr Blanco questioned the mayor about plans to build 4000 houses in the town. At June 28’s council meeting, Mr Blanco questioned Cr Carter again about a legal case against him. Mr Blanco said he was served after last night’s meeting. “The bailiff turned up, I think it was about 7.30 at night, and he served me last night after the meeting,” he said. At the June 28 council meeting, the majority vote needed to confirm that the May 31 council meeting minutes were a “true and accurate record” was not reached by the council. During the meeting, Cr David Eckhart said he was “dismayed” at the mayor’s inability to answer questions. Cr Eckhart also asked why Mr Carter had not replied to an email by Deputy Mayor Tim Turner about issues raised in council. Mr Blanco said the council needed to be better at answering questions after he received no response to an email he sent with questions he wanted to be included in the meeting. “This is not a secret organisation, everything is public information and they should be stating that in council meetings,” he said. Port Hedland chief executive Carl Askew said it would be inappropriate to comment on a personal matter but ratepayer money was not involved. “The Town of Port Hedland is aware that Mayor Peter Carter is engaged in private legal proceedings which have been the subject of recent media reports,” he said. “It is not appropriate for the Town to comment on these personal matters other than to state clearly that ratepayer resources are not involved in any way.”