The Maroondah Leader has reported on the false claims about my mobile phone usage, which were were included on a flyer produced by another Mullum Ward candidate.

Mullum Ward council candidate Alex Makin has threatened legal action against a rival for making exaggerated claims about his mobile phone use.

Rather than produce an accurate depiction of my mobile phone usage, the candidate simply chose to extrapolate incorrect figures based on a request that only asked for my phone usage during a six month period.

“My phone bill is significantly lower than the $10,000 Mary-Anne has calculated,” Cr Makin said. “One of the key roles as a councillor is to talk to the community and I call everyone back.”

In particular, copies of the flyer were left at the Maroondah Council Chambers violating the neutrality of the council building. Council property is owned by residents and ratepayers and therefore is not to be used for electioneering purposes.

Cr Makin said Ms Lowe had left copies of the flyer at the council chambers and that he had lodged a complaint with the Victorian Electoral Commission.

It is unfortunate that a candidate would choose to perpetuate false claims and hold little regard for local governance by violating the neutrality of council property. I have referred this matter to the Victorian Electoral Commission so that it can be properly investigated.