North Ringwood Community House is holding a candidates’ forum tomorrow evening to provide an opportunity for the public to question candidates’ for the Mullum Ward in the upcoming council elections.

The Maroondah Journal has assisted in publicising the upcoming candidates’ forum, where it is expected that questions will be asked about support for the relocation of North Ringwood Community House. While Jo-anne Taylor, Peter Feeney, Nora Lamont, Adam Pepper and myself have all confirmed our attendance there has been no confirmation received from the other six candidates.

It is unfortunate that one candidate in particular has chosen to claim that the forum will be biased because I am on the committee of management of North Ringwood Community House. I have been a strong supporter of the community house during my time on council and I have been entirely open about my involvement on the committee of management, since I believe that councillors should take an interest in their community.

As I mentioned to the house on a number of occasions, it is important that they engage as many candidates as possible to seek support for the relocation and a new community centre for Ringwood North. The candidates’ forum is being organised entirely by the management of the community house and I have had no input into the proceedings.

It is unfortunate that we have some candidates that do not understand that being a local councillor involves the need to take an interest in the local community.