Bass Coast shenanigans

THE shenanigans at Bass Coast’s mayoral election demonstrate that our community should not expect any sincere improvement in transparency or accountability as councillors head into their final year.

The public widely expected that Rochelle Halstead would be elected unopposed. Geoff Ellis had nominated Rochelle for mayor and had declared support for her.

But at the eleventh-hour Clare Le Serve emerged to make a grab for the top job. Geoff immediately proceeded to vote against Rochelle. 

The action blindsided almost everyone, apart presumably from those who had concocted the last-minute coup.

The Sentinel-Times reports that some insiders have described Geoff’s move as “treachery.” Yep, that’s how I would describe it also.

Geoff appears unwilling to explain his motives for voting against Rochelle. No transparency there then.

And perhaps Clare was equally surprised to be elected? Uncharacteristically she seemed ill-prepared and had several procedural missteps. Clare herself acknowledged the need for improvement.

Clare’s backers include several councillors who previously attempted to remove public question time at council meetings. Perhaps now, with Clare in the big chair, another attempt will be made?

Yes Geoff, perhaps it is as you say. Perhaps not everything is as appears on the surface.

Kevin Griffin, Wonthaggi