LCC: Meeting the candidates

John Henshaw www.launcestonratepayers.intas.net.au MR

While a wide range of ratepayer-related issues were raised, it was clear that the major thrust of member interest centred upon the candidates’ attitude to the Council’s policy with regard to the Pulp Mill and the Regional Aquatic Centre. Both of these issues provoked a number of questions and vigorous debate.

MEDIA RELEASE

16th October, 2007

A well-attended October meeting of the Association last night heard five-minute addresses from ten candidates for the Launceston City Council elections followed by a lively Question-and-Answer session.

All candidates standing or re-standing for election were invited. Members were appreciative that 8 of the 13 candidates standing for election were in attendance plus Ald. Sands who is standing for Mayor and Ald. Armitage who is standing for Deputy Mayor. Regrettably, five candidates (only one of whom sent an apology), did not participate.

The candidates, and the balloted order in which they spoke, were:

Martin Cole
Ian Norton
Ray Shipp
Reg Blackman
David Jones
Jeremy Ball
Ted Sands
Danny Gibson
Rosemary Armitage
Ivan Dean (Arrived late & left early)
While a wide range of ratepayer-related issues were raised, it was clear that the major thrust of member interest centred upon the candidates’ attitude to the Council’s policy with regard to the Pulp Mill and the Regional Aquatic Centre. Both of these issues provoked a number of questions and vigorous debate.

There was general dis-satisfaction with the present Council’s lack of consultation of the ratepayers and due regard for their views, concerning major Regional developments, and a lack of budget restraint against ever-increasing rates.

John Henshaw, elected President of the re-named Launceston Ratepayers’ Association at the Annual General Meeting which preceded the monthly meeting, and who chaired the forum, said:

“This is the first time, we believe, that such a forum has been held for candidates to present their manifestos and for voters to hear them at first-hand and ask questions of the candidates. Anyone who is genuinely interested in local government matters and who didn’t attend missed an excellent opportunity to assess candidates”.

“It would be unfair to summarise the candidates’ policies, but, it is fair to say, that only three of the ten supported the pulp mill and only two were supportive of the Regional Aquatic Centre project”.

“Time restraints did not permit more debate on rating methods and policies as this is a hip-pocket-nerve matter which continues to affect a large proportion of ratepayers, particularly those who are asset-rich, by reason of the increased value of their properties, but cash-poor – more-so if they are pensioners”.

Mr. Henshaw concluded by saying: “I urge all eligible voters to carefully assess the candidates and make sure they fill in the ballot form properly and post it by the cut-off date. Candidates have been elected in past elections by less than 50% voter participation. So, don’t complain to the Association after the event if you didn’t get the Council you wanted if you didn’t cast your vote!”

John Henshaw

President

Launceston Ratepayers Association Inc.

LAUNCESTON RATEPAYERS’ ASSOCIATION INCORPORATED

PO BOX 2039, NEWNHAM 7248

email: info@launcestonratepayers.intas.net.au