By Laura Wakely
FOUR of the councillors sensationally sacked in 2009 are eyeing off a seat when Brimbank Council elections return in October this year.
Troy Atanasovski and Sam David, who were both named in the Ombudsman George Brouwer’s reports, told Star last week they would be running again.
Former councillors Marion Martin and Margaret Giudice are also considering running, along with Virginia Tachos, the wife of former councillor Stuart Miller.
Former deputy mayor Tran Siu is ineligible to run after being found guilty last year of distributing unregistered how-to-vote cards during the 2008 election campaign.
Robert Bozinovski and Heidi Seitz did not respond to messages left by Star, Robert Shamon could not be contacted, Geraldine Brooks is not running and Maria Kiselis refused to comment.
Former Keilor MP George Seitz, who Mr Brouwer claimed showed a strong interest in the former council, is also in the race.
Mr Atanasovski and Mr David both said they felt they still something to offer, while Ms Giudice said councillors felt their jobs were “half done” after
the sacking.
But Sunshine resident and community campaigner John Hedditch said he would hate to see the same people back on council.
The Administrators have been a breath of fresh air,” Mr Hedditch said.
“We haven’t had democracy in Brimbank with the way it’s operated in the past it’s been a factionally driven council.
“The community should be looking for good independent candidates.”
Mr Hedditch denied rumours he would be entering the race himself.
Ms Tachos echoed the call for community leaders to “step up”.
“We need fresh people, people that are involved in community issues now,” she said.
She said having a “good team of people” run for council would influence her decision to stand.
Meanwhile, Mr Seitz is wasting no time preparing for the 27 October election day.
Mr Seitz, who told Star he was running for council election at the suggestion of Maribyrnong MP Bill Shorten to keep the council “cool, calm and collected”, said he would be establishing the Brimbank Residents and Ratepayers Association in the coming weeks.
