By NATALIE GALLENTI
AS MELTON City Council candidates spruik their election promises for the final time this week, residents are busy filling out ballot papers in what has been described as a “dirty” campaign by a number of hopefuls.
The stage is set for a fascinating finale with residents divided over the possible outcomes.
Last week Star reported allegations of “dummy” nominations and branch-stacking, which have been rife during this year’s election race. One disillusioned candidate vowed she would never run again.
Some candidates have promised to forego their first year of pay in a bid to woo voters.
The candidates have questioned why some players have resorted to dirty tactics for a modest council wage.
“Why would you go through all this for just $26,000?” one candidate said.
“We would forego the allowance, so at least at the end of the day we can hold our head up high.”
Social media has also played a role in this year’s election with at least 13 of Melton’s 72 candidates using social media to get their message across to the thousands of constituents throughout the municipality.
Two of the 22 candidates in Cambridge Ward, nine of the 30 Coburn candidates and two of the 20 Watts candidates are using social media, including Facebook and YouTube, to bolster their image as the finish line looms closer.
Current councillor and candidate Broden Borg’s Facebook page shows photos of him door knocking residents. While another current councillor and candidate Sophie Ramsey has posted photos of herself on the election trail.
Cambridge Ward contender Nola Dunn has used a completed ballot paper as her cover photo while other hopefuls like Halina Sykes and Goran Kesic are also utilising social media to procure votes.
Results are set to come out Sunday evening.
