SIX candidates are running for one seat to represent the Red Hill ward at Mornington Peninsula Shire council for the next four years. The Red Hill ward is a mostly rural area and borders Rye/St Andrews to the west and Western Port Bay to the south east.
Ballot papers are being mailed out to voters by the Victorian Electoral Commission ahead of Mornington Peninsula Shire elections on 22 October. Voters should return completed ballot papers well before a final deadline of Friday 21 October, 6pm.
Voters who have not received a ballot pack by Wednesday 12 October should call the VEC on 8619 1615 to arrange a replacement.
NEALE ADAMS
What suburb do you live in? I live in Mount Eliza.
What is your occupation? I am a Bushland/Habitat tech.
What do you believe is the number 1 issue for council to tackle? Why?
Maintaining good level of services while keeping rates affordable, because this effects everyone in the municipality.
Are you, or have you ever been, a member of a political party? If so, which party (and when if no longer a member)? I have been a member of The Greens, not since approx 2010.
TOM DAVIES
What suburb do you live in? I live in Red Hill.
What is your occupation? I am a student.
What do you believe is the number 1 issue for council to tackle? Why?
Number 1 issue is the threat of endangering schemes supporting the green wedge and other protection overlays for rural and environmentally significant land.
Are you, or have you ever been, a member of a political party? If so, which party (and when if no longer a member)?
No I am not a member of a political party, I do not believe that federal philosophy is relevant to local government.
DAVID GILL
What suburb do you live in? Balnarring.
What is your occupation?
I am retired and an independent candidate for the Red Hill Ward with no political affiliations. I am president of my local Community Association and Chair of a foreshore committee.
What do you believe is the number 1 issue for council to tackle? Why?
My main concern is to have developments in keeping with the Mornington Peninsula and in particular with the character of our coastal villages. If you are interested in rezoning in the green wedge then I am not the candidate for you. As you know the green wedge is also controlled by the State Government. In particular where there are large scale proposals I would want to ensure that they protect the integrity of our planning regulations but I am willing to engage in negotiation regarding worthwhile proposals.
We all know permits can take too long to be issued, this concerns me because matters are too often taken out of local hands and go to VCAT where local issues are mostly ignored. My main strategic planning issues concern overlays to protect the character of our villages from insensitive developments but not from those in keeping with the intent of the planning scheme. The need to have a full compliment of planning officers is very apparent and to have developers employ consultants that produce reports that are not checked for accuracy should not be allowed to continue.
I am sorry that I am general in my response but there are a great many planning issues that need addressing. It will take a little time if I am elected to get to the bottom of some matters that I believe have been improperly dealt with by the Shire. The nature of the Council has been very secretive in these matters, especially in their dealings with VCAT.
Are you, or have you ever been, a member of a political party? If so, which party (and when if no longer a member)? No political affiliations.
ESTHER GLEIXNER
What suburb do you live in? I have lived and raised a family in the coastal village of Flinders for the past 40 years.
What is your occupation?
I am a qualified Secondary and TAFE teacher with a Degree in Social Work. For most of my career I worked in management including project administration, financial management, service co-ordination, social planning, community development, casework and counselling across a wide spectrum of issues for non-profit as well as government agencies. I am now retired and ready to make a contribution to my community.
What do you believe is the number 1 issue for council to tackle? Why?
The number one issue for Council to tackle is to selectively manage and encourage the kind of compatible development and unobtrusive improvements in infrastructure we do want within the Shire, and in particular in our predominantly rural Red Hill Ward, that is compatible with, protects the natural rural environmental and coastal character of our communities, and makes it so appealing for local residents and visitors alike, for generations to come.
Are you, or have you ever been, a member of a political party? If so, which party (and when if no longer a member)?
I am standing as an independent, have funded my own campaign, and am a strong supporter of keeping party politics out of local government. Professionally, I have had good working relations with people from all walks of life and political persuasions. In recent years, at a State and Federal level I have been a member of the ALP and supported local candidates such as Simon Napthine and my daughter Carolyn Gleixner. Being an independent Councillor, gives the necessary flexibility to represent and stand up for local issues.
JAMES WHELAN
What suburb do you live in? I live in Somers.
What is your occupation?
I am a senior corporate sales and marketing leader experienced across finance, education and e-commerce sectors.
What do you believe is the number 1 issue for council to tackle? Why?
I believe the peninsula has three areas of need, to protect the green wedge & farming/agricultural industries, supporting local residents by improving services/facilities and also maximising appropriate tourism opportunities. The challenge will be to ensure that each area is managed and one does not suffer.
Are you, or have you ever been, a member of a political party? If so, which party (and when if no longer a member)?
I am not nor have been a member of a political party.
Candidate Roslyn Browning did not respond to emailed questions.