A disturbing rumour is circulating within certain
sections of the York community that the new Presidency of the Shire of York
will be automatically gifted to a particular Councillor- as a sinecure, not
based on past performance or suitability.
This should not occur. Powerful, self-interest factions within a local community do not have the right to expect that a Council Member aligned to them will be automatically chosen as President.
Nor should any candidate, approached with the offer of a block of votes, declare allegiance to- or their support for the self-interests of any particular lobby group.
There is anecdotal evidence suggesting that two past Presidents may have been elected as ineluctable choices. The general consensus of opinion is that neither served in the best interest of the whole community and one brought the Shire of York Council into, much publicized, disrepute.
When newly elected as a Councillor, Matthew Reid, was chosen as Shire President by his fellow Councillors, post the date of the election, by popularity and a perceived ability mandate. He was no-one’s pet president.
In the near future there will be seven Councillors, thereby reducing the need for a
‘casting vote’ normally exercised by the President. This should, and I repeat should allow, more open and accountable governance and, hopefully, more focussed, robust debate in the decision making process.
After their election, all Councillors must be allowed the unfettered right to choose who they want as President without any outside pressure and interference.
This should not occur. Powerful, self-interest factions within a local community do not have the right to expect that a Council Member aligned to them will be automatically chosen as President.
Nor should any candidate, approached with the offer of a block of votes, declare allegiance to- or their support for the self-interests of any particular lobby group.
There is anecdotal evidence suggesting that two past Presidents may have been elected as ineluctable choices. The general consensus of opinion is that neither served in the best interest of the whole community and one brought the Shire of York Council into, much publicized, disrepute.
When newly elected as a Councillor, Matthew Reid, was chosen as Shire President by his fellow Councillors, post the date of the election, by popularity and a perceived ability mandate. He was no-one’s pet president.
In the near future there will be seven Councillors, thereby reducing the need for a
‘casting vote’ normally exercised by the President. This should, and I repeat should allow, more open and accountable governance and, hopefully, more focussed, robust debate in the decision making process.
After their election, all Councillors must be allowed the unfettered right to choose who they want as President without any outside pressure and interference.
The
person elected must be the Councillors’ choice only. Not as a spokesperson for
the farming sector, the town’s business owners or local ratepayers, but as the
representative of everyone and all their diverse legitimate, viable and positive
business, social and community interests.
Because of what has occurred in the past, for at least the next two years, there cannot be a part-time President who has other major business commitments and could pursue other interests to the detriment of the positive future promotion and development of the Shire and community of York.
It will require the new presidential incumbent to be fully committed to the holistic redevelopment and improvement of a town of many facets- as a vibrant 21st century community, with an extremely important, 184 year-old historic past dating back to the Swan River Colony.
It is a big ask- and a big task- with failure not an option.
David Taylor
York Ratepayer.
I've heard the very same rumour, worrying isn't it?
ReplyDeleteThe people will make their minds up next Saturday on who they want to move the town forward, its then, as you rightly point out, up to those who have been entrusted to do the right thing.
The right thing is not for the newly elected Councillors to vote in 'old school' because historically up until Matthew Reid that's the way it worked. Fortunately, this election will see at least four new faces, hopefully five, which constitutes a new majority, so if anyone else has designs on the top job, maybe now is a good time to think again.
I doubt very much that anyone outside of a certain clique would disagree with a question aimed at Denese Smythe at the meet the candidates evening last Wednesday.
Being a Councillor on a dysfunctional Council a decade ago and being an ineffective incumbent Councillor now, does not give anyone the God given right to be appointed Shire President.
The role of a Shire President is not one for a wannabe socialite, flirting between engagements sipping cheap champagne.
A bit hash maybe but valid all the same.
DeleteNo one has the God given right to presume they should be the Shire President. It is up to the majority of the elected members - after the election next Saturday - to vote for the person they believe has the skills, time and stability to be their President.
ReplyDeleteI have heard a couple of the candidates I had intended voting for stating they are the only ones capable of being the Shire President, as a result they have lost my vote because I do not agree with them. I am over people driven by their bloody egos!
I was talking to a couple of friends who attended the meet the candidates evening last Wednesday, sadly, I was unable to attend due to a prior engagement. I was concerned to find out that David Wallace did not attend the event. David Wallace is the only incumbent Councillor not facing election, in other words, he is safe for another two years.
ReplyDeleteThere are nine candidates, eight candidates turned up to the meeting, five of those eight candidates constitute approximately 83% of the new Council.
A shrewd Councillor would have attended the meeting to gauge public opinion, to see how their future fellow Councillors performed in public, to look for strengths and weaknesses, maybe even ask a question of each candidate.
No, not our David, he'd rather stay away, wait and see what happens on the day. After the count, this coming Saturday, we will have six Councillors, no one Councillor has any seniority over their peers, they will all be equal.
Comme vous dites, may the best man or woman win.
Richard - the evening was advertised as 'Meet the Candidates' - not meet the Councillors.
ReplyDeleteBoyle, Hooper and Duperouzel did not bother attending the 'meet the candidates' evening two years ago either, did you criticise them?
D, I beg to differ, Duperouzel was at the 2013 meet the candidate evening. Pat Hooper wouldn't have been there because he's above all that and Boyle would have been busy eating.
DeleteBesides, you seem to have missed the point!
My apologies if Duperouzel was there, I do not remember seeing him at the 2013 evening.
ReplyDeleteI do not believe I missed the point. You were having a shot at David Wallace for not attending when there was no requirement for him to be there.
David Wallace will find out on Saturday evening who will be joining him to rebuild the trust from the people.
Exactly, there was no 'requirement' to be there. Just the same as there is no 'requirement' to do anything but turn up to a monthly meeting!
DeleteI rest my case.