Considering 'the needs of the community'
In an act which best can be described as political, the Southern Highlands Greens have come out calling for the council elections to go ahead later this year.
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The Greens seem to have put the interests of their own party over the needs of the Southern Highlands.
The problems at WSC are endemic and won't just take an overnight fix to sort it out.
The needs of the community are far greater than anybody's own electoral aspirations or desire to maintain momentum with voters.
I support the Local Government Minister's decision and this was the right move for the community.
Sam Zilinskas, Wingecarribee Council Candidate 2024
Let Wingecarribee vote'
In my view, it's a disgrace that the ratepayers of the Wingecarribee Shire are left without democratically elected representation. Instead, they have an unelected, NSW Government-appointed administrator who does not represent the people of the Wingecarribee Shire.
He is responsible to the NSW Government, NOT the people who live and work in the shire.
It beggars belief that all those people who made such a noise about getting the democratically elected councillors dismissed are not making even more noise to have an immediate election.
Where are the friends and allies of the Wingecarribee Shire? Apparently, they would rather have the Marquesses of Macquarie Street run roughshod over them.
Be prepared for a lot of inappropriate development with no funding for the necessary infrastructure, or sustainability of design. Forget about "the green in between". An absolute travesty.
Let Wingecarribee vote!
Gregory Olsen, Bundanoon
Call to 'fight for local democracy'
Where are the future Councillors?
Last week the State Government decided to retain an administrator, and defer councillor elections until late 2024.
I recall the vocal claims of budding councillor candidates seeking support for their election.
Where have these candidates gone?
What happened to their cries of better community representation, of improving services and a new approach to the shire?
Why aren't these previously virtuous candidates demonstrating their commitment to the community by fighting for a council election this year?
The decision maker is local MP, Wendy Tuckerman (Minister for Local Government), the other local MP being Nathaniel Smith.
I am very disappointed that these candidates, these potential future councillors failed already in my view by not stepping up to fight for local democracy and community.
In my personal view, this decision by the State Government is an insult to all voters in Wingecarribee.
A State Governemnt appointed administrator does not have this community's best interest at heart.
He serves the State Government first and foremost.
Perhaps some candidates do not put their community ahead of bad State Government decisions?
Perhaps they pay lip service to democracy, but prefer an autocratic decision-making process?
Whatever ... it's disappointing.
A councillor must be willing to take on the State Government in order to deliver to the local community.
If candidates aren't prepared to do so, then they don't deserve to be elected.
Several councillors from the previous term took on the State Government on various issues.
In my case in relation to increasing funding for Bowral public hospital.
Is there anyone who is willing to step up and fight for our local democracy?
If there was such a person they would get my support and vote at the next council election, especially if that election was this year.
