Re: Well-known faces dominate
It seems the Labor Party is again up to its tricks of having stooges standing to get their second preference votes for the main candidate.
- Guest (via web)
Re: 58 vie for 11 seats
I'm disappointed that I can't give it another shot at the Monash Council election. However, I'm very happy to see newcomers are going to give Paul Klisaris and Micaela Drieberg some competition in Mulgrave ward and Geoff Lake in Glen Waverley.
I urge ratepayers to vote with their brain rather their heart. Helping a political mate to get into any government does not and will not benefit your wallet and well-being, unless the representative is genuine to get in there for the good of the people rather than for his or her own ego and glory.
I don't just vote for the new contestants for the sake of change or their political stance. I vote for them if they can demonstrate to me, at least in their campaign literature or in person, that they have the desire to effect changes in the council chambers in response to the needs of Monash ratepayers.
They must have clear understanding of gambling and unemployment issues in Monash and continue to seek a safe solution to the Clayton railway crossing. Before you cast your vote, read what Des Olin, Chan Cheah and Damian Lobo can offer us. It's time for the council to have some new blood!
- Sin Fong Chan, Wheelers Hill
Not in the council's interest
I am writing to express my concern about the likely prospect that a married couple will be elected to the next Monash Council in these elections.
Cr Tom Morrissey, who has represented the Mount Waverley area for more than 15 years on the Monash and Waverley councils, has been joined as a candidate by his wife of 45 years, Lorraine Morrissey, who is seeking election in the adjoining Glen Waverley ward. I think this is ill-advised.
As a councillor retiring after seven years' service on the council, I think I'm in a good position to offer an impartial view that a married couple on council is not in the best interests of good governance at Monash.
Being a councillor involves making thousands of decisions each year — many of which are controversial and result in a different configuration of councillors voting for and against each issue.
Sometimes debates between councillors are passionately fought and occasionally they become emotional and tensions fray. Generally, however, the right decisions get made as a result of each councillor bringing an independent and inquiring mind to the decision-making process.
The prospect of there being two councillors who share an intimate relationship being introduced into this dynamic is highly problematic. Based on my experience as a councillor, I cannot see how this is in the interests of a robust, impartial and effective council.
I urge voters in the Glen Waverley and Mount Waverley wards to consider whether their best interests are served by a married couple being elected to our council.
- Charlotte Baines, retiring councillor for Mulgrave ward
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Election comments
In the lead-up to this month's council elections, the Weekly requires all letters and comments on municipal issues submitted for publication, whether online or in print, to carry the author's or commentator's full address and telephone number, for purposes of verification only. The Weekly reserves the right to exclude material that is not fully identified. The editor's decision on these matters will be final.