Launceston's population is shrinking, Tasmania's is growing and Australia's is exploding. It is more than obvious to a lot of traders in Launceston's CBD that it's council has lost the plot. Many are threatening to "vote this mob out" but it's not quite that easy.
You do have find candidates to vote for who have the intelligence, the experience and who are willing to do more than attend meetings and collect their allowances. Look around you and scrutinise your voting slips.
Also, be prepared to consider the proposition that the local government election model in Tasmania is broken.
Also, ask yourself when did you hear personally from an alderperson about something important to you? Did this Council consult you before putting the city in debt to its present $20Million level? Do you think that it is good business to spend our rates almost anywhere else than locally?
On performance, do you think that this crop of alderpeople have the capacity to recognise expert advice when they hear it? Do they ever look for local expertise and respect it? Do you think they care about the level of rates you pay? Do you ever think that services might be delivered more effectively?
Ask yourself such questions as the city's business community now is – perhaps belatedly. There is a way forward but ask yourself if this current Council knows which way that might be or are even interested in actually looking for it? Are they holding themselves accountable in any way for the situation the city finds itself in NOW?
In fact, ask yourself the big question. Has the current crop of alderpeople got the bottle to be open, transparent and honest with their constituency? Indeed, have they been?
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