THE politics within politics is heating up as the day fast approaches for the next group of councillors to be announced.
Reports that two long-standing and moustached incumbents are already angling to get support as mayor have left remaining candidates befuddled about the correct way of jumping on to a horse and cart.
And while almost everyone is proudly claiming to represent the community, while dismissing any influence from party politics, it’s worth noting that candidates from the ALP have been seen emerging from local electoral offices with multiple copies of their literature.
Two “unofficially endorsed” candidates have even distributed campaign material on official party letterhead, targeting Heathdale residents as people who can’t think beyond party borders.
One candidate, running on his reputation as a former mayor, said the assumption that people living in one of the most disadvantaged areas of Wyndham not only lacked for opportunities but also functioning brains, could backfire.
All 24 nominees claim to be genuine candidates this time, not mates of real contenders placed in the competition to grab the youth, female or ethnic vote. Perhaps it’s true.
It was interesting to see how full the normally empty public gallery was at the last council meeting, and how several candidates were taking a very obvious interest in what are best described as beige meetings, notepads and all.
It’s also interesting to note how the membership of some committees and groups instantly expanded to include candidates who real members know nothing about.
The passion many are expressing for the first time, towards issues such as the police shortage and the need to clean up the area around the Werribee River, is also heart warming.
Until next week …
