This Week in St Kidla (TWiSK) included an opinion piece I wrote outlined my previous experiences on Maroondah City Council, as one of Victoria’s youngest independent Mayors and the importance of community.

One of the worst aspects of Council is the political maneuvering that begins during campaign and continue into the term of Council. Local government works best when it is represented by community members who in turn champion the views of their constituents.

Unfortunately, the proliferation of party politics and candidates that live outside the wards they represent, can create unnecessarily combative situations which simply results in community neglect.

Local government should not operate like Parliament, where you have an entrenched governments and oppositions. Instead, Councils work best when you foster collaboration, where differences of opinion are shared and respected so Councillors have the information they need to make sound decisions.

This is why I have remained steadfastly independent, as being grounded in the community, keeps both candidates and Councillors responsive to the best interests of their ward and municipality.

Remaining grounded in the community is critical when on Council.

I thank the community for their support during my campaign and for their involvement in letterboxing, volunteering and discussing their vision for Montague Ward and Port Phillip.

Read more at: Community should keep Council grounded – not political manoeuvring – TWiSK (gdaystkilda.com.au)