October 2012
Monthly Archive
October 8, 2012
October 6, 2012
Dear Glen Eira Debates
My name is Ryan Hsu and I am a Candidate for Rosstown. I am hoping that I can introduce myself and am happy to answer any questions which you may have in relation me standing for this coming election. After reading your “Will The Real Candidates Please Stand Up?”, I would like to make known that I am standing as a truly independent candidate without any political party affiliation, membership or support. Prior to the commencement and nomination of this election, I have never met or spoken to any of my fellow candidates.
I will also like to inform you of my preferences that is now registered with VEC.
5 ESAKOFF, Margaret
4 OKOTEL, Karina
3 MIKELSONS, Wilmars
6 HO, Kelvin
1 HSU, Ryan
7 CASPI, Michael
8 DUNSTAN, Don
2 PILLING, Neil
My preferences were decided after speaking to nearly all the candidates and asking them many questions in relation to local community issues and understanding what they were hoping to deliver if they were elected.
I have attached my campaign flyer which will provide you with further information about me. I am also happy to meet up for a chat over coffee and to listen to any issues which you believe are important for our community.
Kind regards
Ryan Hsu
0498 530 599
COMMENT: Once we receive this candidate’s flyer it will be posted.
October 5, 2012
The ‘Indoctrination’ Begins!
Posted by gleneira under GE Governance, GE Service Performance[12] Comments
Each candidate has received a personal letter from Andrew Newton informing them of the legal requirements if they are successful in becoming a councillor – ie. return of register of interests, etc. More importantly it contains a proposed schedule and the outline of an ‘induction’ program. We are of the opinion that this document also lays out the blueprint for stamping the administration’s authority and control on councillors.
Below is the proposed timeline. Important sections are highlighted. We draw readers’ attention to the following:
- The ‘invitation’ to sign the CURRENT councillors’ Code of Conduct on day one! There is no requirement in the Act for councillors to sign any such document! By signing councillors bind themselves prior to any discussion and possible amendment. Councillors also have three months to sign any Oath of Office. The legislation also requires that the Code of Conduct be ‘reviewed’ within one year of an election. Bayside starts its ‘review’ in February!
- The only ‘induction’ that councillors receive prior to the first Ordinary Council Meeting is a ‘folder’, part of one Assembly of Councillors, and then a nearly 3 hour ‘presentation’ on the Local Government Act from Maddocks. Then it’s off to make decisions! We imagine that at this first council meeting many important items will appear on the agenda for decision by a potential bunch of neophytes.
- Then we have the almost primary school flavour of the ‘kiddy tour’ (with sandwiches). Gesac, Duncan McKinnon, Caulfield Pavilion, are sure to feature prominently! Still no real ‘discussion’ or oversight of such things as community plan, council plan, local law, etc. Once again, Bayside conducts their ‘grand tour’ on the 16th March.
- Only on the 17th November, AFTER THE FIRST COUNCIL MEETING, is there an extended ‘induction’ period of 6 hours. Too late we cry!
For comparison we’ve also uploaded the full Bayside Program. Whilst we remain dubious as to the purpose of the little ‘one on one chats’ with individual councillors, we also note the specific reference to COUNCILLOR ONLY MEETINGS THAT ARE SCHEDULED in their program. The other point of course is the fact that Bayside sees no problems in publishing such material unlike Glen Eira.
Here is the Glen Eira ‘program’ –
October 3, 2012
The following is a ‘work in progress’, based on intuition, supposition, and guesswork. The release of preferences should tell us a lot more –
|
CANDIDATES |
‘STOOGES’ |
| Lipshutz | Kraina, Catherine
Kuran, Bernie Steedman, James Weil, Martin Daniel |
| Penhalluriack | ? |
| Forge | ? |
| Dempsey | ? |
| Delahunty | Spiegel, Joshua |
| Souness | ? |
| Esakoff | Okotel, Karina |
| Pilling | Mickelsons, Wilmars |
| Dunstan | ? |
| Hyams | Dudeja, Raj
Buch, Henry De’Ath, Phil Kay, David Cade, Anne Marie |
| Gatoff | Pilcher, Trudy |
| Magee | Andonopoulos, Rodney |
| Hedger | Read, Rose |
October 2, 2012
October 2, 2012
COUNCILLORS MUST HEED COMMUNITY NEEDS, NOT POLITICAL MASTERS
AS the council elections loom, concerns are mounting that Boroondara is becoming a battle ground for party politics.
But former councillor Mary Drost says political parties have no place in council elections. ‘‘You look at the City of Yarra and it’s half Labor and half Green,’’ Ms Drost said. ‘‘And now in Boroondara you’ve got six endorsed Green candidates.’’
Ms Drost said it was a trend that could have implications for council decisions, especially where planning and development were concerned. ‘‘We don’t want Spring St and Canberra interfering with our local government,’’ Ms Drost said.
Independent Bellevue Ward candidate Simon Phipps said it was important council retained its identity. ‘‘When you take an oath of office, you represent the entire municipality,’’ Mr Phipps said. ‘‘To say you represent certain values, be it Green or Labor is fine, but the problem is orchestrated representation. A sworn members’ obligation is to the community, not the party.’’
Municipal Association of Victoria chief executive Rob Spence said councillors should declare political interests.
‘‘It’s not against the law, but any councillor should have all their political affiliations declared . . . so the voter can make an informed decision,’’ Mr Spence said.
‘‘There are 34 former local councillors in state parliament, it would be interesting to know how many declared their political interests in their council campaigns.’’
Greg Gliddon
October 1, 2012
The Glen Eira Residents’ Association has organised a ‘meet the candidates’ forum. Details are:
DATE: Sunday, October 7th
TIME: 3pm for a 3.30 pm start
VENUE: St. John’s Uniting Church, 567 Glen Huntly Road, Elsternwick
They’ve also drafted a series of questions for candidates to answer. See their website for full information on this.
Glen Eira Debates encourages all residents interested in the future of this council to show up and also put their questions. Perhaps then, the chaff will be separated from the wheat and residents will know which candidates are likely to truly represent them.
Glen Eira Debates 