Re: On the hustings, a family affair
The biggest issue is not family members but potentially real estate agents as candidates. For instance, Given the high percentage of developments, high rises and objections, how can a councillor-real estate agent be impartial? They may even use knowledge to approach the resident to list with them. Anyone who is this close to the situation should not be eligible, even if they stand aside every time there is a planning or subdivision query.
- Karen Broadbent (via web)
The entire system is a joke: the person I vote for is the person who should count, not how many friends and family members they can find to fill their ticket. Stop this nonsense; stop candidates who have a vested interest — such as real estate agents — and vote for community members who can bring skills to the table.
- Tamara (via web)
Re: Mayor: 'Caps rate' call is naive
Cr Graeme Warren says: "It's easy to bang on about rates, but it is nonsensical to do that."
This could be easily be construed as political comment attacking the platforms of some candidates, and it raises an interesting point.
As soon as nominations close, the shire goes into caretaker mode. But the council code of conduct says: "The mayor is the official spokesperson for council. Any comment made by the mayor will be deemed by the community to represent the views or position of council on a particular matter. Accordingly, any official public comment made by the mayor must reflect council's position regardless of the mayor's personal views."
Cr Warren is not recontesting the election in Chandler ward. Given this position and his continuing status as mayor and therefore the council's official voice, he probably needs to be a little more careful about what he says. I agree with the notion that capping the rates is a nonsense, but 'banging on about' about the biggest rate take and expenditure in the shire history — much of which has been spent on the construction of new edifices — is hardly nonsensical.
- John Nieman, candidate for Chandler ward
Re: Good news for Lilydale cafe
What this article fails to convey is not just me that makes Matt's Cafe work. The few folk who tirelessly serve behind the scenes need to be acknowledged. They are Jacqui K and Jennifer T, who cook each week and have done since Matt's started. There's also Deb M, who helps clean, serve, wash up, etc each week, and others like Ian S and others, who help out each week to make it run smoothly.
- Neal Taylor (via web)
Re: It's back to square one
Your cover page article has spurred a few more people to call the Croydon Chess Club. That's a positive note in the argument between club chess verses the online version. Both have a role to promote the sport within Australia.
- Richard Goldsmith (via web)
What do you think? Post a comment below.
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