After four years under administration, many ratepayers are anxious to have councillors reinstalled in our local government.
Recent hefty rate hikes, deteriorating infrastructure, enforced fluoridation, and the financially disastrous Glasshouse are firmly imprinted on many ratepayers’ minds.
It is my personal suspicion that our council is not running as lean and mean as it could. However, it is essential that all rate rises are thoroughly justified and for expenditure to be wisely and tightly managed. We therefore require a strong and effective council.
Clearly, our council can function effectively if we elect a mayor who has considerable experience in local government and has previously served this council with integrity, courage and commonsense. These basic attributes apply to Ms Lisa Intemann who recently announced her intention to stand for mayor as an independent candidate. Lisa is also energetic and has an excellent understanding of local issues.
Some candidates have openly declared their political party affiliations. This is not a problem for many voters, given that local government experience is recognised as a stepping stone for a political career. However, other voters, including myself, tend to be wary of such candidates on the grounds that political affiliations require a degree of party allegiance, and this can lead to a conflict of interest.
It is pleasing that some young candidates are standing for election as councillors. Hopefully this will encourage a growing number of young people to take an interest in issues which affect them and the community as a whole.
Ratepayers would appreciate a clean and fair campaign leading up to the election.
John Lusk
Dunbogan
