The election this coming Saturday will be the most important ever undertaken in this shire and the result will seriously impact on every resident and ratepayer and the future existence of our shire council as we know it.
We are all aware of the past council factions and divisions which have been largely ego driven, uninformed and most certainly counterproductive.
Some of the most experienced councilors have retired. It would be advisable to take note of those remaining who have experience and whose performance has been cohesive and in the spirit of co-operation rather than divisive.
Some candidates are calling for a rejection of the previous council. Living in the misguided belief that “out with the old and in with the new” will result in utopia. Whilst I have no problem with the adage “the new broom sweeps clean” unfortunately everyone in kindergarten needs a mentor or two to proceed onto 1st class and beyond.
A brand new council devoid of councilors with experience is nothing short of a recipe for disaster.
Unfortunately newly elected councilors will find that making the monumental changes they promise are not as simple as they perceive them to be and they often pale into obscurity.
The councilors you elect this time must be capable of acting with the utmost integrity and in a co-operative manner in the interests of their constituents and the shire at large, rather than in support of their own personal aspirations and egos.
If not, the end result may well be the appointment of an administrator which will result in the amalgamation of our council with another. That would be a monumental disaster not only for Tenterfield but for the shire in its entirety.
There are many new faces on the block so be sure to get to know those standing in your ward and where their allegiance lies and their capacity and ability to work as a team in the best interests of all constituents.
Personally I’m disgusted to hear of all the bullying tactics used by candidates at the pre-election polling station and the lies, smear campaigns, and dirty tricks being utilised.
It is incumbent on all voters to ascertain the veracity of the information floating around both for and against all candidates before casting their vote.
Elizabeth Macnish
Tenterfield
