SIX candidates are running for one seat to represent the Watson ward at Mornington Peninsula Shire council for the next four years. The Watson ward includes Baxter, Somerville, Tyabb and parts of Moorooduc and Pearcedale.
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.
LISA DIXON
What suburb do you live in? I live in Baxter – Watson ward.
What is your occupation? Retired Small Business Owner.
What do you believe is the number 1 issue for council to tackle? Why?
The number 1 issue for Council to address is clearer communication, greater consultation and discussion.
Watson Ward has been disadvantaged due to the lack of active representation over the past year. Strong advocacy to ensure a better and equitable share of the rate dollar.
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 independent, have never belonged to any political party.
JULIE EDGE
What is your occupation? Police Officer.
What do you believe is the number 1 issue for council to tackle? Why?
The issues I have been made most aware of are transport and traffic management, maintenance and restoration of natural flora and fauna in conjunction with local developments, and ensuring the preservation of our townships, in terms of protecting historical values and crime reduction as the population increases. These issues are causing the biggest effects on the daily life of our community and the future of our towns 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 not and have never been a member of any political party.
ELISE KLEIN
What suburb do you live in? Moorooduc.
What is your occupation?
Lecturer in International Development.
What do you believe is the number 1 issue for council to tackle? Why?
Ensure council is once again accountable to, consultative and working for 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)?
Yes, I am a current member of the Greens.
BEN LOOIS
What suburb do you live in? Tyabb for the past 20 years.
What is your occupation? Retired Builder.
What do you believe is the number 1 issue for council to tackle? Why?
Number one issue for Watson ward is an overlay to protect Westernport Airfield, because there is an important new tourism venture at Arthurs Seat, which could have fire or accident issues to respond to. The airport is vital infrastructure for the emergency services as well as a big employer. Of equal importance is the shocking state Frankston/Flinders Rd, affecting us all. I would lobby to have this upgraded urgently.
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 an independent candidate but support those concerned with keeping rates and debt levels down.
CHRIS MCLENNAN
What suburb do you live in?
I live in Somerville with my wife Sarah and our two children, Hugh and Elliott.
What is your occupation? I’m a small business owner in Somerville.
What do you believe is the number 1 issue for council to tackle? Why?
We need to see a fairer share of council funding for our region. Our community is tired of being ignored and neglected, we’ve struggled for basic infrastructure for a very long time and we’re often overlooked in favour of the Port Phillip side of the Peninsula. We need this funding imbalance to be rectified, so we can push forward on the projects needed to improve and enhance our great 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)?
I’ve never been a member of a political party, nor have I ever donated to a political party. My candidacy is entirely independent.
MICHAEL SIXTUS
What suburb do you live in?
I live in Somerville, as I have done, proudly, for 21 years of my short life.
What is your occupation? I’m currently an employee and operator for a waste disposal company, after a brief break from the industry.
What do you believe is the number 1 issue for council to tackle? Why?
The foremost important issue facing council today is the growing disparity between demographics of the peninsula, especially in terms of support for community services and accessibility of currently standing services. Because community services are the development core of our local culture and the backbone of our community values. Without these services, so many important programs would cease to exist and the distance between communities grows larger.
Are you, or have you ever been, a member of a political party? If so, which party (and when if no longer a member)?
First time I’ve been asked this question, and a relevant question it is. Between 2006 – 2010 I was a registered member of the Liberal Party of Australia. I remained active for a few years in politics, dabbled in other ideologies, but eventually left politics behind entirely until last year, when I noticed a growing issue with the lack of advocacy coming from council, even during such an advantageous time for local government to use its voice. I’m currently independent, leaning centrist right (fiscally)/centrist left (socially).
