We have a record field of candidates standing for Huon Valley Council in October, with 27 in total, and no less than 13 women all seeking to represent the Huon Valley.
There is a wealth of talent in the field, with some candidates holding tertiary qualifications in planning, architecture, economics, psychology and psychics, so coping with the Council agenda should not prove too much of a challenge !
After the sacking of the last Council in 2016, we learned that the Board of inquiry cost the Valley $360,000, plus extra for the Page Seagar report , legal advice and paying out the former GM contract, all amounting to well over $500,000 !
Like many people in the Valley, the only approach in my view is to ensure it cannot ever happen again, by not choosing anyone from the last Council, or those that they are now associated with, in a new group branded as ” independents”.
The bad behaviour of some in the sacked Council was disgraceful, as was the bullying, lack of respect, and absence of any willingness to work together.
We all need to do our homework on the choices, to ensure that we finish up with a new team who will act at all times, in the best interests of the Community.
The bottom line is that the next Council must work well, in a positive and constructive manner, or risk being amalgamated with Kingborough.
Peter Bright
October 3, 2018 at 8:11 am
Alan, Thankyou.
Although out of your area, I fully endorse your incisively vigorous conclusion [i]”Like many people in the Valley, the only approach in my view is to ensure it cannot ever happen again, by not choosing anyone from the last Council, or those that they are now associated with in a new group branded as ”independents”.[/i]
In addition, nobody with relevant business interests should be allowed in [i]any[/i] council as I have sadly concluded that their real purpose is always exploitative self interest though access to the levers of regional decision-making, regardless of the sometimes devastating effects on others and/or the environment.
I believe that a [i]truly[/i] rigorous vetting process should accept for office only those genuinely good souls with honourable and unselfish motives, and known or demonstrable capabilities.
gerrya
October 3, 2018 at 7:44 am
Wise words Alan
Let us hope that there is a majority of like minded people in the HV.
Ben Cameron
October 3, 2018 at 7:38 am
Who are the previous councillors who are running again? Who are the “independents”? How do we find out?
gerrya
October 3, 2018 at 8:42 am
Mike Wilson is the only contender from the previous, dysfunctional council. Some of the other contenders have either sat on Council or on various committees or boards.
The question of “independent” is one that opens a lot of doors. If we took a literal view of independent, considered voting patterns and behaviours from the dismissed Council, reviewed some recent press advertising and other publications we might draw, a not too long bow, that suggests that there may be yet another bloc forming in the valley – shades of the heart. Most of the contenders appearing in the advertisement headed by Mike Wilson & Sue Clark have made publicly available statements (found at https://huonvalleydotorgdotau.wordpress.com/hvc-election-2018/) attesting to their “independence”.
Suggest that all consider carefully any choice when voting for the position of Mayor and Deputy Mayor especially as the final decision may come down to preferences.
Take time to review all information (bearing in mind that there have been some creative writers engaged), attend public forums to ask each candidate to make a statement (for the record) about their “independence” and direction of any preferences.
Then consider, numbering 1 – 9 based on a balanced representation and, as much as possible, a fresh start in Council; especially in the position of Mayor
Geoffrey Swan
October 3, 2018 at 9:31 am
Mike Wilson from the last Council and HotH bloc. Sue Clark and Amy Robertson from previous Councils.