Election a reality check
The biggest question of this year’s race for the federal seat of Bendigo, will be whether Liberal candidate Megan Purcell can demonstrate a legitimate desire for higher office, than merely for celebrity.
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Reality television? The only reason I turn on the TV is to escape reality. Which is what, converse to the billing, shows like Farmer Wants a Wife actually are – an escape that cannot be filed under documentary.
So I’m quite bemused by the Liberal Party’s choice of opponent for Lisa Chesters MP.
It is national news that Ms Purcell is not only a former “Bundy Girl”, but is currently a contestant for a man’s heart in prime time.
These things of course don’t disqualify Ms Purcell from seeking election.
She is well educated and an Army Reservist, among other achievements.
Ms Chesters, in her response to the announcement of Ms Purcell’s candidacy, has invoked the current marriage debate.
I wouldn’t go that far. But I do agree that a man dating several women simultaneously for the pleasure of the masses and the advertisers, is not the traditional and decent path to matrimony as espoused by conservatives.
The contest for Bendigo will be the real reality show, a definitive test of character and substance. There is no room in public office for superficiality. May the woman to best represent the region’s interests win.
Brenton Morrissey, Strathdale
Announcing council candidacy
In response to Michael McKenzie (“How meaningful is your vote?”, Bendigo Advertiser, February 4), 4 Feb 2016), whilst I agree with a number of the points made by Mr McKenzie, I disagree that council elections should be suspended.
The right mix of councillors can run effective councils and this has been proven in many municipalities.
There is no question that councillors need to be skilled and understand their role in monitoring the CEO’s performance as measured against deliverables and achievements in the council plan.
The right councillors will also empower the CEO to make strong operational decisions leading an experienced executive team, in alignment with strategy.
This is the councillor’s role, ensuring the community is heard and represented when strategy is set and implemented.
More than ever citizens of Greater Bendigo need to make their vote count in the 2016 council elections.
The poor behaviour and lack of leadership in this current term is an insult to ratepayers and cannot be tolerated again.
As voters, we must insist community representation is on top of the agenda.
The antics and personal agendas being driven have wasted precious time and resources and make a mockery of privilege that councillors were afforded when they were elected.
My experience in delivering strategy and working with accountable teams to ensure measurable outcomes are visible and effective is an essential skill for a councillor.
I will stand in this year’s elections to be part of the solution for a better Bendigo.
For I cannot sit back and watch this great city and region, go backwards and suffer from the constant reputational blows that this poor behaviour results in.
Yvonne Wrigglesworth, Axedale
Common sense the key
After the performance by Councillor Peter Cox as mayor, which led to turmoil and confrontation with ratepayers over the issue of a mosque, he would be the last person I would accept advice from as how to be a councillor.
This happened because council foolishly played politics which should have no place in local government.
As an ex-councillor, the only qualifications you need is common sense in acting for your ratepayers, not for other forces.