Why I can fill the Empty Chair

Peter C. Donnelly

As runner up in the polls on previous occasions I may well be considered an obstacle to the status quo.

The Editor,

I learnt some months ago that Alderman Archer was quite ill and should he not sufficiently recover enough to resume his seat on Council, then I would most likely be elected on a re-count of votes.

At the time, I felt I could only wish him well again and wait and see what eventuates.

Should he not be able to resume his seat and I was subsequently elected I would consider it an honour, if however brief, to sit in his ‘chair’ after his long contribution to the City of Hobart. I have respected Lyn’s practical ability (an essential local government attribute) on Council and for helping me personally in Council matters in the past.

Time rolls on though and still the ‘Empty Chair’ remains empty. Your columnists suggest that it could well remain empty for a period of 15 months, should
(a)Lyn Archer not resign before next month’s electoral deadline, or
(b)Council not act either to resolve the issue before that time.

This would mean though that the Citizens of Hobart would be under represented in Council for some 15 months, a considerable period, as is pointed out. Meanwhile should Lyn Archer recover enough to resume his seat then everything returns to normal.

Your columnists also suggest that it may well be an advantage to some Alderman not to have a recount, and to let the matter slide until it’s too late! Taking no action therefore would in effect prevent any newcomer from getting a brief ‘leg in’ onto Council before the October elections, who could be considered a future threat to them.

As runner up in the polls on previous occasions I may well be considered an obstacle to the status quo.

Consequently the media contacted me last week which led to the Mercury article. Unfortunately the other Peter Donnelly’s (the music critic) photo was inserted by mistake. I have requested an apology from the Editor as it could also be offensive to him. I wasn’t particularly flattered either by it and can assure your columnist Dr. Kevin Bonham ( Here ) that I disagree that I get any electoral advantage either. Because of the duplicity of names I have made it my practice now for several years to add the initial of my second name Charles to any correspondence with the press. I have used my full name in all Council Elections.

As a former cinematographer, I gained a vast experience in civic matters in Tasmania. It is this wide knowledge in both a cultural and practical sense that I have always felt could be an asset in Council affairs. It was why I offered myself for public office on previous occasions.

In these I have had the privilege of the authorisation of Mr. George Flaskas, a former successful Tasmanian businessman , who recently was humbled by being described as ‘The most honest Greek in Australia.’ I was proud to have his support.

These days I am more associated with my occasional ‘letter to the editor’ written on a variety of subjects which are for the record, always signed

Peter C. Donnelly
Sandy Bay.

4th. Feb. 2007