New councillors have been chosen

DEAR Reader,

Well, the Bass Coast election is over and, as most of you know, I fell short by about 300 votes after preferences.

A big thank you to all who voted for me, and also to those who voted me second after Cr Ronnie Bauer. That nearly got me over the line.

Congrats to the successful candidates for all wards, with a special mention to Meg Edwards and Cr Rochelle Halstead.

I note that in pre-election statements, all three successful Island Ward candidates listed improved sporting facilities as the most important local issue. Let’s see how they get on.

Transparency and accountability were also topics that were continuously mentioned. I ask the Bass Coast Councillors, “How will you provide decision-making transparency and accountability, not just for yourselves, but also for the council officers?”

I wish all newly elected councillors well and strongly encourage them to focus on the local issues and avoid agenda items that belong to the State or Federal government. Ratepayers I have spoken with object to money being spent on “virtue signalling” and/or progressing party political agendas.

Remember, the Council chamber is not a parliament, but more like a board room where the Councillors direct council officers via the CEO to provide services and manage assets, paid for by ratepayer funds.  

It’s our money, not the Council’s. We expect value for money on issues we care about. In my and others’ opinion, excellent councillors behave as advocates for residents and ratepayers and not “wannabe” politicians.

Thanks again Dear Reader for your support.

Darrell Silva, Ex-Candidate for Island Ward