Long-time Murrindindi Shire Councillor John Walsh has bowed out, but had some parting words for new Councillors and voters.
“With my Governance portfolio hat on for one of the last times before I bow out of local government, and because four years ago I was encouraging people to stand for Council to avoid
uncontested ward ballots, it is very pleasing to see that all wards in the current election will be
contested,” Cr Walsh told last week’s meeting.
“So, to all voters in the Shire, please do not pass up the first opportunity this century in Wards across the board, to find out exactly what each candidate in your Ward proposes for the next four years.
“Check the VEC website to see their election statements. Do they really know about Council revenues and our deficit budgets? What changes to services do they propose if rate caps again are less than the real cost increases faced by Council? Do they understand the rules and regulations in which Councils operate? Are they going to meet your personal, local and Shire objectives? Do they have enough time to take on the role? These are just a few examples of what you may want to know. Give them a call and ask the same questions of both newcomers and those seeking re-election,” Cr Walsh advised.