Diversity ‘threat’ as married couples run

By Shaun Inguanzo
FOUR of the City of Greater Dandenong’s wards could be represented by married couples following November’s council election.
But this has sparked concern from groups and individuals, who say that the diversity of the new council could be compromised if councillors were married.
A field of 46 candidates across nine contested wards contains two married couples, with all four individuals running for separate wards.
Incumbent Lyndale Ward councillor Angela Long is hoping to return, with husband Barry running for Noble Park North Ward.
Former City of Dandenong councillor Christine Ware will run for Cleeland Ward, while husband Jim Ware will run for Dandenong Ward.
But if either of the couples make it to council, it will not be the first time.
In 1997, Sharon Harris was elected along with husband Greg Harris, who became mayor.
Ms Harris, who will run alone this year for Noble Park North Ward, said there were difficulties while sitting on council with her spouse.
“It was very hard because a lot of people did not see me as a person in my own right,” she said.
“That was very frustrating, but the ward saw me as a strong person.”
“Sometimes we had lots of arguments because he would try to convince me of his point of view, and I had my own.
“At times it impacted on us; we worked well together and other times it was stressful.”
Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) president Geoff Lake said while there was nothing wrong with the scenario, there could be concerns over the council’s diversity if all were elected.
“Ultimately, these questions are best left to the voters to decide,” he said.
“But the council environment is a political one, and it is much better if people are able to interact with one another as equal participants in the environment, rather than the added complexities of people having specific spousal relations to one another.”
“I think most people elected to council stand independently, just about everyone, therefore you represent yourself and make decisions based on the merits of each issue.
“Where it becomes difficult as a married couple being councillors at the same time is whether people are able to influence the two councillors and have a fair outcome as a result.”
Dandenong Residents’ and Ratepayers’ Association (DRRA) secretary Janet Cox said anyone had the right to run for council.
“If both members of a married couple are elected simultaneously to council by proper democratic processes, the voters also agree that they have every right to be there,” she said.
Ms Ware said she and husband Jim were distinctly different.
Mr Ware said the couple, if elected, would perform better than partypolitical candidates.
“We think we would do a better job than politically aligned candidates who are told how to vote on a certain issues,” he said.
Angela and Barry Long said they would not be afraid to disagree on matters if they both sat on council.
Mr Long said a majority of decisions would be made independently for their individual wards.