What passes for news media in this part of the world has done
a predictably mediocre job of covering the Council by-election, failing to identify
a single issue and falling back on standard “candidate profiles”.
So let me deconstruct some of the tired platitudes served up
by the candidates in last week’s Manjimup-Bridgetown Times.
Joanne Moore. Shamelessly standing to take over her husband
Brian’s seat, despite the fact that if elected will have the same financial conflict
of interest which he cited as his reason for resigning. (See post titled ‘From
one conflict to another’ below)
“Clearly the time has
come for maintenance of what we have in roads, rather than the sealing of
existing roads.” Meaning: The road
to my house is sealed, so bugger everyone else – especially Southwell!
“I’m a down-to-earth
person who is not afraid to speak my mind.”
Meaning: Although I’ve been to several community meetings and never uttered
a word, I did poke my tongue out at someone once, which I thought spoke
volumes.
Peter Quinby. Used to put his name to poisonous letters
to the paper penned by his councillor wife. They’ve heard councillor pay is
going up and they miss the free dinners, so its his turn to warm a seat.’
“It is unrealistic to
expect rates to increase in relation to the CPI. Equally, unless the Shire
delivers a constant package of works and services, rates are likely to increase
as new services are supplied. I would pay particular attention to the budget to
ensure the Shire gives value for money.”
Meaning: no-one knows.
“I believe local
government should support development in the community largely by getting out
of the way.” Meaning: Let’s continue to do nothing, and just enjoy
the free drinks and meals.
Marta Sandberg. Famous for having her deceased husband
cryogenically frozen.
“Services are a lot
like infrastructure. We have to balance what we want with what we are willing
to pay. All in all, I think Bridgetown
has found a pretty good compromise.” Meaning:
I have no new ideas on the way forward, but I’m bored and getting on
Council might be interesting.
John Nicholas. This is his third try at getting on Council. If
he misses out this time will go down as the Nathan Buckley of Bridgetown
politics – the best candidate never to win a seat. (Buckley best AFL player who never played in
Premiership).
“ I am open to the
notion of alternative management of shire services to permit shire funds to be
focused on essential services.” Meaning:
Money can be saved by contracting out the work of the Council works crew
and reducing the number of full time
employees.
Gerry Georgatos &
Jenny Kaeshagan. Not sure of the
wisdom of partners running together. They
are both great candidates, but standing together may cost them votes. They have each put forward strong and
interesting cases for a fresh approach to managing Council affairs and
community issues.
Along with John Nicholas, they are the stand-out candidates,
offering the best chance for much-needed reform of this moribund Council.
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