The Victorian Electoral Commission has released the 150 word statements and preferences for each candidate standing within the Maroondah City Council elections.

The statement and photograph is included within the postal ballot packs that are sent to residents and ratepayers of Maroondah between the 11th and 13th of November. The postal ballots need to be returned by 6pm on Friday the 29th of November.

The statement provides an opportunity for candidates to provide an overview of their priorities should they be elected. My statement is as follows:

It was a great honour and privilege to have served as your elected Councillor since 2005. I would appreciate your ongoing support, so I can continue making a difference to Maroondah and the new Mullum Ward.

I will continue to enhance our mobility, by ensuring safer local streets, more footpaths and better public transport, including advocacy for an accessible Ringwood Station. I will strive to create an inclusive community that provides opportunities for all; our youth, families, elderly and people with disabilities.

I will save our open space and parks, support our community groups, prevent inappropriate development, improve our sporting facilities and playgrounds, as well as strengthen Maroondah’s approach to sustainability and provide new community facilities.

Express your views about Maroondah. Contact me on 9812 2337 or 0409 136 213, or email www.alexmakin.com.au. Let’s continue making a difference. Vote 1 Alex Makin. I will not take your vote for granted.

Unfortunately a number of candidates deceived myself and Jo-anne Taylor in regard to preferences and unless we receive a high enough first preference vote it will be a struggle to be re-elected. I would like to thank the many people who have supported me over the past three years and I urge the community to vote in support of a genuine candidate, so that Mullum Ward and Maroondah do not fall prey to over-zealous developers and dummy candidates.

In Mullum Ward the genuine candidates are Jo-anne Taylor, Peter Feeney, Nora Lamont and Adam Pepper. While I would certainly welcome your vote and ongoing support, I do urge you to vote for a genuine candidate if I am not your number one preference.

It is critical that Mullum Ward does not fall victim to people linked with developers with little community involvement. I certainly hope to continue as your councillor for the new Mullum Ward so that we can continue making a difference and create a sustainable, accessible and accountable future for Maroondah.