Residents want more from their councillors

Let's not repeat the sins of the past. Residents and ratepayers in Whitehorse deserve proper representation.   In the forthcoming election on October 27th. I urge voters to choose their representatives carefully. How can voters discern the "wheat" from the "chaff"? Read on.

Past elections have revealed the seedy side of local elections. Instead of being open and democratic there are often hidden agendas and manipulations of which the electorate is unaware.
Consider the following history of council elections in Whitehorse.

http://whitehorse-leader.whereilive.com.au/news/story/tears-fall-on-day-two-of-george-droutsas-committal-hearing/

http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/mayor-george-droutsas-turned-friends-into-dummies-court/story-e6frfku0-1225934303234


Here is a letter that I sent to the Whitehorse Leader, in response to Cr. Andrew Munroe and Cr. Ben Stennett's "Letters to the Editor," expressing their views on "dummy" candidates. Although the Leader chose to only print part of my letter, here it is in full.

Dear Editor,
It was with interest that I read recent letters by Councillors Munroe (July 11th) and Stennet (July 18th) regarding “dummy” candidates. These have prompted me to remind voters of the way votes are counted. The proportional voting that replaced the preferential voting system is still misunderstood. Cr. Stennet had the good fortune to be elevated in his first term and gain election through the resignation of a sitting councillor because he was that councillor’s second preference. With proportional voting, once a candidate reaches the required quota they are automatically elected. Then second preferences come into play; these are transferred to the nominated second preference candidate; but only at 1/3 of a full vote. Sound confusing? Exactly; to many voters it is confusing.

My advice to voters is to know the integrity of their candidates. Actions speak louder than words. It is not about the number of pamphlets that they distribute, nor is it about the rhetoric or “motherhood” statements they make when asked, why they want to serve on council. Their calibre can be determined by the way they represent their community. Genuine candidates are not transient; they roll up their sleeves and serve on committees where it counts; they are conspicuous, they belong to the community and are there for the long haul. Over the past 35 years I have gained so much from my volunteer work in the community; before, during and after my time as a councillor. The rewards of being a councillor are enormous if one is there for the right reasons.

Sharon Partridge

Residents are often unaware that it can take years for projects to come to fruition.They may also believe that local council has contributed solely to a project when in actual fact there has been State and Federal government funding involved.

It is easy for candidates to make "motherhood" statements.Voters need to see beyond the rhetoric to choose the genuine candidate that is there for the right reasons. Consider if they are able to fulfil the enormous time commitment that is required of a councillor. Some councillors fall by the wayside when the reality of the position collides with their lifestyle.

Your best representative is not necessarily the one that has a lot to say; but rather the one that listens and hears what you are saying.

Written and authorised by Sharon Lee Partridge
31 Crest Grove
Nunawading 3131
0438221366