ELECTION TIME!

 

My nomination for Councillor and Mayor has been accepted by the TEC.  As an experienced Councillor, I will bring stability to the role of Councillor and Mayor.  It is 18 years since I last held the Mayoral role and so much has changed in that time with legislation and the planning scheme, it is quite daunting but an exciting challenge.

I was interested to note that nominations were only 12 this year.  I congratulate all those who had the courage to lodge a nomination for one of the most challenging roles anyone can ever undertake especially when acting as a planning authority!

I'm not going to do a lot of electioneering.  I don't know about you but I get really tired of all the Vote for Me pamphlets that hit our letterboxes during any election campaign and I've had too many signs defaced over the years to warrant spending significant sums on them.  

In terms of promises, local government really is a difficult beast.   Whilst State and Federal candidates can promise this or that and throw lots of money around if they get elected, local government candidates really can't promise too much. 

We can get elected and hope to change the world but reality is we are one vote. In the big scheme of things, all that can be 'promised' is that as an elected member you will listen to the community and act in the best interests of residents and ratepayers.

That could well be difficult if it is a planning matter.  Unfortunately sitting as a planning authority can sometimes feel a bit 'damned if you do, damned if you don't' situation.  Planning really is the most difficult part of an elected members role.

One of the promises I will make that is achievable, is a return to proper consultant-based community forums.  It will be argued that Council has been consulting with the community in the Community Connect sessions.  My view is that Council has been telling the community what they will do and what they can't do,  Where is the consultation in that?  Sure we can listen to the community but I question sometimes whether we actually hear what is being said.

If you have any questions, then please don't hesitate to contact me on 0419 533 615 or by email to cheryla298@gmail.com  

 (Written and authorised by Cheryl Arnol, 10 Aubin Court, Orford)