Damon painting his last canvas

The residents of Hobart directly elect the Lord Mayor in October this year. The role is important being the Mayor of the capital city. This election is an important one as, for the first time the Mayor will be elected for a four-year term rather than a two-year term.

The role attracts the highest local government allowance paid in Tasmania which is well over $100,000 a year when combined with their aldermanic allowance. Generous telephone, computing, petrol allowances and a chauffeur-driven car plus other staff are additional. Numerous completely funded interstate and international trips are readily available.

Current incumbent Lord Mayor Damon Thomas (the only declared candidate) is having his campaign launch this week (23 July) at the C3 church in South Hobart. Selected politicians and numerous business people have been getting an invitation costing the invitees $50 a head.

There are spending limits for local government elections. Strangely they only operate during the official election period (about a month) and for times before that, the sky is the limit.

Alderman Thomas is now indicating that this will be his swansong in that if elected he will not renominate in 4 years’ time to quote from his invitation

“I don’t intend to renominate after one further term”.

Damon Thomas was a former CEO of TCCI.

This is how the invitation is worded …

“Dear Name removed

Good morning to you .

Well at that time again well it’s that time again when election fever hits the air and this time I get my running shoes on make sure I can continue to have such a good relationship with the Upper House and with you particularly!

I would be delighted if you were able to come to my launch in the middle of next week and (name removed) would be a most special bonus .

You are a special part of community and corporate Hobart and I think your presence would be wonderful. The particular effort that you are doing in your roles is wonderful to watch as you bring the upper house closer to our community through your presence at carefully selected events where your very attendance gives a lift to those organisations, many only volunteer led, which value your interest and concern .

On a simple strategy basis my strong guide is to get community passion and a feeling of optimism and confidence to the highest level as I believe that to grow our economy, to maintain jobs and to put family on the highest pedestal along with culture and education we must make a strong and positive steps each and every day.

I don’t intend to renominate after one further term for, as the Chinese say you really only have up to 10 years to paint your canvas after which you need to pass on the brush to a new energy, I knew excitement and a new sense of purpose.

There is much yet to be done to make Hobart a more liveable city and I really appreciate your support for the initiatives that have already begun.

I hope that you and if possible (name removed) can come on the 23rd.

Best wishes and gratitude

Damon

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Ed: Andy Woodworker is known to the Editor.