EIGHT candidates are running for two seats to represent the Nepean ward at Mornington Peninsula Shire council for the next four years. The Nepean ward includes Rye, Blairgowrie, Sorrento and Portsea.
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.
GEOFF BOAN
What suburb do you live in? Rye.
What is your occupation? Franchisee.
What do you believe is the number 1 issue for council to tackle? Why?
There are many different issues across the peninsula as it is quite a diverse area. So it’s hard to pick one over another, but when talking to people I find one issue that keeps coming up is that council doesn’t listen to the community enough.
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 hold a membership for the Animal Justice Party.
Cr HUGH FRASER
What suburb do you live in? Rye
What is your occupation? Barrister and Nepean Ward Councillor, Mornington Peninsula Shire council since 2012.
What do you believe is the number 1 issue for council to tackle? Why?
The number one issue : To keep the Shire council and management straight with consistent policy development and financial and carbon discipline to reduce recurrent expenditure to free up capital for community capital improvements and reduce rates. Why? Much has been achieved already in the dramatic reduction in Shire debt, the review of customer service and better more consistent planning decisions. But more is required to get on with the efficiency review of council’s business operations for the benefit of the community.
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 now and have never been a member of any political party.
What has been your biggest achievement during this council term?
The reduction of $43 million debt inherited in 2012 by $31 million to $12 million by 30/6/2017, the Eastern Sister Sorrento seawalk, Sorrento Heritage planning controls and the Rye Place and Movement project.
What has been your biggest regret during this council term?
The inability to dissuade some councillors from micromanaging operational issues.
JOHN MCCORMACK
What suburb do you live in? Sorrento.
What is your occupation? Semi-retired, Radio Presenter with NTS Macquarie, RPP FM Community.
What do you believe is the number 1 issue for council to tackle? Why?
Upgrading sporting facilities in Sorrento, Rye and Rosebud. There are thousands of families using these facilities, some of which have not been upgraded in 50 years and also renovate Sorrento Basketball Stadium.
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 have never been a member of a political party.
RUSSELL MCCRAW
What suburb do you live in? I live in Rye.
What is your occupation? Machine operator.
What do you believe is the number 1 issue for council to tackle? Why?
Rye Tip. We need to keep this open to save people money. And provide employment. Transferring waste up to Melbourne as incumbent wants to do will cost a fortune and will just shift carbon footprint to another shire. Why would we do that ?
Are you, or have you ever been, a member of a political party? If so, which party (and when if no longer a member)? Not a member of any political party.
BRYAN PAYNE
What suburb do you live in? I live in Portsea.
What is your occupation? Chartered Accountant. I have an accounting firm in Sorrento. I also had an accounting business in Rye.
What do you believe is the number 1 issue for council to tackle? Why?
To ensure that council’s funds are directed evenly on works on the ground and not wasted on councillors trips and consultants fees.
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 a member of the Liberal Party.
COLIN WATSON
What suburb do you live in? Portsea.
What is your occupation? Self-funded Retiree.
What do you believe is the number 1 issue for council to tackle? Why?
Future reviews to further reduce council expenditure. Why are we paying hundreds of thousands a year on consultants; why aren’t we employing shire officers that could provide this information. Why are we accepting that our rates will increase 2.5 per cent a year under rate capping; why aren’t we reviewing all capital works programs to ensure this expenditure is actually what we pay our rates for. It is apparent that large amounts of money are allocated in the budget for “feel good ” items that have nothing to do with what we pay our rates for.
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.
GARRY WOODHAMS
What suburb do you live in? Sorrento.
What is your occupation? Lawyer.
What do you believe is the number 1 issue for council to tackle? Why?
Waste. I have seen waste on a grand scale for what seems to me to be for crass political motives. This has to stop and the ratepayers have to be represented.
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.
Candidate Rodger Gully did not respond to emailed questions.
