PARTY politics is killing Williamstown, according to the first person to throw a hat in the ring for a seat on Hobsons Bay’s next council.
Williamstown trader Greg Murray two weeks ago revealed to Star that he would run in November’s municipal elections.
The 60-year-old said he believed Hobsons Bay’s Labor-dominated council had rendered Williamstown’s two ward councillors, independents Angela Altair and Peter Hemphill, ineffective.
“When (Cr) Hemphill was first elected he was an excellent councillor – his approach was just what the doctor ordered and he had everyone in council on the back foot … particularly the Labor party councillors,” Mr Murray said.
“He questioned them and challenged them on practically everything … and they didn’t like it one bit.”
He said the council’s four ALP councillors – Mayor Bill Baarini, Mary Ann Lindsay, Carl Marsich and Renee Caruana – responded by banding together to block progress in the Williamstown wards.
“Unfortunately for (Cr Hemphill) he didn’t have the numbers in the chamber to back him up and, because the Labor councillors have long memories, the ratepayers have suffered ever since,” Mr Murray said.
Mr Murray said the only way voters could break the impasse was to elect councillors who could work with the Labor faction on the council or to ensure at least four independents candidates were successful at November’s poll.
“While this situation remains, (Crs Altair and Hemphill) will never be able to deliver significant results for their ratepayers,” Mr Murray said.
Despite acknowledging Crs Altair and Hemphill had the numbers stacked against them in council chambers, Mr Murray said the pair’s performance on council had been “very disappointing”.
“There are numerous examples, however, the one that stands out head and shoulders above all others is parking,” he said.
“The city is choking, customers can’t find a park therefore they look to service their shopping needs more and more outside the town.”
Mr Murray accused the pair of silence over the parking issue.
“What is so disappointing is that both Williamstown councillors know that adding another level (to the Coles car park) is the only answer to the problem, but for reasons known only to themselves they never mention it.”
Mr Murray said he hadn’t decided whether he had his sights set on either of the two Williamstown wards or in the Spotswood Ward held by Cr Baarini.
“While I believe ratepayers desperately need a change in the Williamstown area, the two incumbents do represent independence of sorts,” he said.
Crs Altair and Hemphill did not want to comment.
