 He had an acrimonious relationship with the local media, and had received criticism for a perception of an 'abrasive' attitude towards ratepayers and council staff.He was reportedly the subject of a Criminal Justice Commission inquiry into complaints of verbal harassment of council staff in 1999, but maintained there had never been a complaint lodged against him.He also had a highly publicised falling out with the city's chief executive officer, who subsequently resigned after an extended period on stress leave.