Re: Victorian seniors: Two lifetimes of devotion
Congratulations, Merle Mitchell and Val Lycett on two worthwhile awards. Thank you for being so generous with your time and caring about others in need. Enjoy the accolades.
– Gaye (via web)
Re: Casey election a farce, says group
The only way to stop dummy candidates is to have attendance elections. Having to print and distribute how-to-vote cards severely limits the effect of having dummy candidates because they have to hand out the cards to control their preferences on election day.
– Monica (via web)
Re: Pultney planning approval ‘disgraceful’
Lawrence McCoy is right to be angry about the decision of Greater Dandenong Council to almost unanimously approve a five-storey development in Pultney Street.
This cheap, ugly development that has so many items that don’t comply with the planning scheme should have been sent back to the drawing board and, at the same time, had some storeys lopped off it. For residents to get a council that is against overdevelopment, they need to vote in many of the current councillors out and vote new ones who will do all they can to protect our residential streets.
Matthew Kirwan, Keysborough, candidate for Red Gum Ward
Red Gum, River Gum
While out campaigning I have noticed a lot of confusion and would like to help people understand the council elections.
The information below is taken from the Victorian Electoral Commissions website at vec.vic.gov.au:
Red Gum Ward is in the City of Greater Dandenong. River Gum Ward is in the City of Casey. These two similar named wards are adjoining and are causing confusion.
The City of Greater Dandenong is having an attendance election, which means you must vote between 8am and 6pm this Saturday, October 27. For queries or to arrange alternative voting please ring 9791 7170.
The City of Casey is holding a postal election. Your ballot pack should have been sent to you by October 11; but there seems to have been delays for some people, and even as late as October 16 some people have not received their ballot papers.
The ballot paper must be returned to the electoral office by 6pm on October 26, so please post your vote in plenty of time.
If you are an Australian citizen and have not received your ballot pack, please ring 5995 4309. If you are aged 70 or older it is optional to vote. The fine for not voting is $70. Happy voting — make your vote count.
– Michele Halsall, Hampton Park, candidate for River Gum Ward
A clean sweep
Residents are telling me that the City of Casey rate increases this year have gone too far and are causing some people severe hardship.
One resident was mentioned in a council meeting as having an increase from about $4000 to about $30,000. Another family with one wage earner say that 6 per cent of the wage go on rates.
It is time for the extravagance of the Casey chief executive officer’s salary to be cut, and for the incoming council to review many wasteful practices.
The council could make life easier for ratepayers by having a monthly payment system so huge payments no longer become unaffordable.
– Rob Wilson, Narre Warren, candidate Four Oaks Ward
Re: Young talent shines at Noble Park art show
The Noble Park Art Show is an amazing showcase of local talent. Eleven local schools and open and junior artists have displayed their work over this weekend. The opening night was well attended and the quality of work was to be commended.
Now in its seventh year, the Noble Park Art Show is a must-see calendar event. Well done to the art show committee of volunteers who stage this every year.
– Gaye Guest (via web)
What do you think? Post a comment below.
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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
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