A CANDIDATE in Saturday’s Greater Dandenong Council elections says she fears for her family’s safety after several of her placards were removed, ripped and graffitied.
Sri Samy, an ALP member backing mayor Youhorn Chea, felt targeted and “extremely disheartened” by the vandalism. She reported the incidents to police but stopped short of naming her suspects.
“If these are people who are trying to get onto council, they are supposed to make well-balanced decisions for the community. I worry what they’ll do if they get there.
”This will not only stop other women from nominating in the future but have a huge impact on sincere community-minded people who want to put their hand up to serve the community.”
As the only female candidate in Lightwood Ward, Ms Samy concurred with the Victorian Local Governance Association’s recent campaign for more females on council, and said the municipality lacked women’s services.
She said Victorian Immigrant and Refugee Women’s Coalition recently received a 12-month grant of just $100 from Greater Dandenong Council, compared to $7000 and free meeting room and refreshments from neighbouring Monash Council. “In the City of Greater Dandenong, they don’t just give us a venue. We have to pay for one of their venues.”
Sitting councillor Maria Sampey (Silverleaf Ward) also reported two of her placards had been damaged.
What do you think? Post a comment below.
COUNCIL ELECTION COMMENTS
In the lead-up to next Saturday’s council elections, the Weekly requires letters and comments on municipal issues submitted for publication, whether online or in print, to carry the author’s or commentator’s full address and telephone number, for purposes of verification only. The Weekly reserves the right to exclude material that is not fully identified. The editor’s decisions will be final.
The editor
For all the latest breaking news, stay with this website. Also, follow the Weekly at facebook.com/greaterdandenongweekly or on Twitter @DandenongWeekly.
