Councillors fight over new charter

By Melissa Meehan
GREATER Dandenong’s Springvale council chambers were turned into a circus as councillor back-flips and personal blows were dealt over the mayor’s reform charter on Monday night.
Facing strong opposition when the Accessibility, Transparency and Accountability (ATA) Reform Charter was first mooted in March, mayor Pinar Yesil’s charter was again attacked, along with her personal character.
In March, the motion to prepare a report addressing the proposal was passed, as was the proposal to put the charter out for public comment on Monday night.
The planned changes would introduce one of the state’s toughest performance standards for City of Dandenong councillors.
Councillor Yvonne Herring spoke out against the charter saying it was “not worth the paper it’s written on”.
“We already have provisions in place that cover what is in the charter,” Cr Herring said.
“The mayor is on an ego trip, fuelled by politicians.”
While other councillors leapt to their feet to stand up for the mayor, Cr Herring said she couldn’t refrain from such comments.
Cr Roz Blades hit back at claims Cr Yesil was on an ego trip.
“If it is an ego trip, I suggest we need more of it,” she said.
“I support anything that improves government, communications and operations with the community.
Personal blows were also dealt by Cr Maria Sampey.
“I would like to say it is all about credibility,” Cr Sampey said.
“I’ve got nothing to hide.
“But the example the mayor has set in the past three years has been woeful.”
In a surprise back-flip, Cr Peter Brown, who walked out of the council meeting when the first motion for the charter was endorsed, said he would also support the charter going out for public comment.
“I was initially strongly opposed when it was put to council,” he said.
“But in the spirit of compromise I will support it.” He said that while he didn’t agree with everything that councillors needed to look to the future and make the council better.
Cr Paul Donovan said he supported the motion and was looking forward to community feedback.
“Representatives of all levels need to be held accountable,” Cr Donovan said.
“But it is difficult to measure, I think it is about the work we do, not the things we attend.”
Formal written submissions must be received at the council by 12 June and those wishing to be heard in respect to their submissions will be heard at a Submission’s Hearing on 17 June.