Johnston calls for aldermen to live in the municipality …

… AND FOR FULL DISCLOSURE

Alderman Kristie Johnston will today call on Glenorchy City Council support her proposed electoral reform which would require all Aldermen to live within the Municipality and fully disclose their residential address.

Alderman Johnston, herself a proud lifelong resident of the Municipality of Glenorchy, said that “many Glenorchy residents are surprised to discover that a person does not have to reside in the municipality that they are elected to represent and are greatly concerned that currently more than a quarter of their aldermen do not reside in the Municipality of Glenorchy. Furthermore there is also concern that when residents have tried to discover where their alderman resides they are unable to do so as their addresses are withheld”.

Alderman Johnston said that it has been remarked to her by a number of residents “that it appears as though there are quite a few aldermen who live out of a PO Box!”

It is disappointing that basic contact details about a candidate/councillor/alderman can be withheld from the voting public. A requirement for full disclosure would allow electors to make an informed choice about who they are voting for and would provide a basic but important avenue for residents to contact their elected aldermen.

Given that the Minister for Local Government has indicated a willingness to amend the electoral provisions for local government and the great level of community concern about this matter it is timely that this request is made by Council to the Minister.
Alderman Kristie Johnston, Glenorchy City Council