THE Greater Dandenong council election is less than four months away and the current councillors will be given a run for their money as they come up against possible nominees. The election is on 26 November and, with all councillors to go into caretaker mode next month, Sarah Schwager asked the councillors whether they planned to stand at the election and when they would start campaigning.
Mayor Maria Sampey
Noble Park North Ward
“Of course, no doubt. I have just come back from overseas so I haven’t started thinking about the election yet. But I’m the type of person who is always in election mode. I like to help people right through my term rather than just in the election campaign.”
Cr John Kelly
Dandenong North Ward
“I haven’t made my mind up. I’ll see what happens between now and nomination day.”
Cr Roz Blades Keysborough Ward
“Yes, we are extremely ready for the next election. I will not be having a campaign. I work hard for the whole time I am elected.”
Cr Youhorn Chea
Springvale Central Ward
“I will stand again. I will start my campaign in about a month.
“There’s still three months until the election but I will advertise now and send information to residents to get their support.”
Cr Angela Long
Lyndale Ward
“Yes I am. I am letting everyone know as early as now that I am standing but I will wait and see who my opposition is before starting a campaign.”
Cr Peter Brown
Keysborough South Ward
“Yes, I will be running for Keysborough South which is my current electorate. I started my campaign the day I was elected in March 2003.”
Cr Kevin WalshNoble Park Ward
“Yes. When we go to caretaker mode in September I will start thinking about the campaign but I haven’t started anything yet.”
Cr Naim Melhem
Springvale North Ward
“I launched my election campaign on Friday (29 July) which was very successful with over 200 people attending. This is my fourth term and I always have a fundraising campaign launch. This year my election campaign was officially launched by Police Minister Tim Holding.”
Cr Paul Donovan
Cleeland Ward
“Yes I will be. The campaign is a secret. I will certainly run a hard campaign. I have provided excellent value to the council over the last three years. Hopefully my electorate will recognise that.”
Cr David Kelly
Dandenong Ward
“At the moment I am still standing. I haven’t done anything yet in terms of campaigning. I still have to get my head around the proposed changes (to campaigns).”
Cr Clare O’Neil
Springvale South Ward
Did not return Star’s calls before Star went to print.
•Anyone interested in becoming a councillor can attend an information session at the council’s Springvale office on 7 September. Eligible residents will be required to vote. Changes may apply to those living outside Greater Dandenong.
