Voting Talk Gives Pollies An Election

By Georgie Jeffreys on September 5, 2012 in News

After four long years of excitement and anticipation, the London Olympics finally arrived and for two fantastic weeks we mere laymen transformed into couch-side sport critics and experts on all things athletic. We lifted high those who delivered glory and dejected those who delivered anything but. And, though this particular and enthralling battle between the greats has now come to a sad end, our next hit of melodrama lies just around the corner – the local council elections.

Also held only once every four years, the elections are an almighty contest between the local area’s warriors of politics. Rather than speed and strength as their tools for conquest though, our local pollies instead rely on wit and smarts. But don’t be fooled, this showdown has the potential to be just as captivating.

According to former Waverley Mayor Cr Sally Betts, the biggest issue on the agenda for Waverley Council this year is budgetary concerns.

“Per annum, the operating budget for the Waverley Council is approximately 86 million dollars. That’s a very large sum. Yet for the first time in three years, Waverley Council is now in deficit. This could and should be avoided, but unfortunately money is being spent by Labor on projects that shouldn’t take priority,” Mayor Betts said.

Current Mayor John Wakefield dismissed Cr Betts’ claims as distorted and not reflective of the true state of affairs.

“In actuality, the budget deficit is a result from the previous financial year (when Cr Betts was Mayor). In the year since I became Mayor I have made many savings and as a result have been able to fund many important community initiatives that couldn’t have been afforded otherwise,” Mayor Wakefield said.

Current Randwick Mayor Scott Nash was also quick to mention the budget when asked about his plans for the municipality if reelected.

“I want to keep Randwick Council’s $144 million budget debt-free and balanced, because without good finances, local services cannot be adequately provided,” Mayor Nash said.

According to Wakefield, Betts and Nash, other issues high on the agenda at the upcoming election include parking, traffic, graffiti, litter, childcare and making it easier for local residents and businesses to “do business” with council by cutting red tape and responding to requests faster.

So to those of you out there who constantly whinge about our local councils (we know you are – we receive your letters and publish your articles) and feel like nothing is being done about your grievances, now is the time to make your vote count, because it can make a difference.

“Take your vote seriously. The issues facing local government are very serious and challenging. In particular, voters should question a candidate’s experience in financial management, because only a council with good finances can deliver the local services residents need,” Mayor Nash said.

For a full list of candidates and information on election day and voting, go to the Waverley and Randwick Council websites at www.waverley.nsw.gov.au and www.randwick.nsw.gov.au.