The local media plays a critical role through monitoring local and ensuring accountability for residents and ratepayers. It is therefore fitting that the campaign promises made by newly elected councillors are periodically reviewed to ensure that elected representatives are honouring their commitments.

This week the Maroondah Leader reviewed the campaign commitments by the three newly elected councillors:

LOUGHNAN’S HILL: Alex Makin

Promises: Stop the rot and listen to the community.

Results: Cr Makin said he listened to the community when he attended meetings of the Croydon Conservation Society, Maroondah Bushlinks and the Heatherdale Rd Action Group.

Promise: Stop inappropriate development.

Results: The Ringwood Transit City project is the main tool Cr Makin said he would use to halt unsuitable development.

Promise: Strengthen anti-graffiti laws.

Result: Cr Makin said he wanted Maroondah to follow the zero-tolerance stance of the City of Casey, a council that takes it on itself to remove graffiti off all buildings. With the council’s graffiti policy currently being reviewed, Cr Makin said this was the perfect opportunity for his input. He said that after the review was released, he planned to initiate programs to use spray cans in a productive way, like competitions for students or mentor programs.

While I believe I am continuing to honour my election commitments it is imperative to remember as the there is definitely more work to be done.