COUNCILLOR CORNER – OPINION PIECE

It’s Yours – Don’t Waste It

Even though it is nine months until the next local government elections, I have noticed a considerable amount of electioneering is already happening.

Getting to the end of my second term I thought I might offer some tips and insights.

Firstly, your vote is YOURS. The idea of someone forming a “team” then telling you that you should vote for them is basically someone saying that their choice is more important than yours.

Another trap for young players is populist candidates talking about things that are NOT in the province of local government. Councils are strictly limited in our responsibilities by State Government. Any candidate that does not clearly understand the boundary of responsibility will be entirely out of their depth if elected.

Candidates who continually ask what you want should also be viewed with scepticism.

Merely asking this question with no commitment to deliver it is a well-worn political ruse and rarely any more than that. Apart from that, it is impossible to deliver what everyone desires, and the cost in doing so would be impossible to bear.

So, what should a voter do?

Acquaint yourself with the responsibilities of the tiers of government. This stands you in good stead to recognise cheap populism.

Look to the principles of those that are asking for your vote. It is important that a candidate be willing and able to stand alone if they think something is morally and ethically right.

While empathy is extremely important, that alone is not enough. Practicality and pragmatism are important, as is the ability to understand all aspects of complex issues. Financial acumen is entirely crucial. The financial matters a successful candidate must be across in council are quite intricate and complex.

Lastly, there is NO such thing as “free”. Anyone promising “free” is actually promising that someone else will pay – which is all very well, as long as you are not the one paying for someone else’s “free” stuff.

I am more than happy to discuss matters such as these with anyone who values their vote and anyone who may be considering running. It is well to remember, doing some things is easy… but doing them properly is infinitely harder.

Cr Martin Bella

Mackay Regional Council

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