Understandably, there are a lot of negativities out there about the previous council’s dysfunction and bad behaviour and some candidates are positioning themselves as the voice of reason and unity for the councillor group - as if they will be able to fix the woes of the council single-handedly.
It also appears that previous serving councillors are being tarred with the reputational brush of the last council, apparently as a campaign strategy.
This is unfortunate, as the new candidates do not know what went on behind closed doors. It is hearing half the story from one or another who is “in the know” that creates rumours, speculation, and innuendo (that’s Deni for you).
No doubt, there has been bad behaviour in the last Edward River Council, and yes, the council did get a performance improvement order (12 months late in my view) from the Minister for Local Government. The old saying, “One (or two) bad apple(s) can spoil the bunch” holds very true for the previous term.
Only those who were “in the room” know who the "bad apples" are, and I won’t be making accusations any time soon. Those who were in the room also know the frustrations and anxiety that many councillors and officers felt when this behaviour reared its head.
Despite this bad behaviour, the Council ticked off some incredible achievements in a short term with seven first-term councillors in the group - Town Hall renovation, three bin system, Edward River Village, Peppin Heritage Centre, Airport Runway, etc.
I really encourage new candidates to focus on the positives, rather than the negatives - What do you stand for and what will you do for this wonderful community? If you are a potential first time councillor, you would also want some experience in the mix to help you settle in and learn the ropes.
Don’t alienate those candidates who, on balance, are proud of their achievements and behaviour and want another shot at keeping the momentum going.
Yours etc.
Phil Stone
Deniliquin