Mayor’s UStrip debate

DEBATE has erupted over Greater Dandenong council’s decision to pay $10,000 to send its mayor to the United States to study pubic transport systems.
The Department of Sustainability and Environment wrote to Greater Dandenong mayor Peter Brown earlier this month inviting a council delegation to the US in November for a transport conference and opportunity to tour transit orientated developments.
Council officers put forward a recommendation at this week’s meeting that Cr Brown, along with development services director Mal Baker, attend the study tour and conference.
But Keysborough Ward councillor Roz Blades said ratepayers should not have to pay for the mayor to attend.
She said that after the proposed 6.5 per cent rate increase, and council having paid for five delegates to go to England last year, which she opposed, enough ratepayers’ money had been spent.
“I have no problem with the officers going, we pay them to gather information,” she said.
Springvale South Ward councillor Yvonne Herring supported Cr Brown’s travel, and said it would allow for ‘great ideas for the city’.
Noble Park North Ward councillor Maria Sampey said the mayor was an important position in the US, so it seemed fitting for Cr Brown to attend.
Cr Brown offered to vote against the recommendation and allow engineering services director Tim Tamlin to accompany Mr Baker.
But when councillors voted on the recommendation, 10 were in favour, and only Cr Blades was opposed.
The trip will cost ratepayers $20,000 to send both Cr Brown and Mr Baker.