As election campaigns ramp up for the October poll, one Wyndham councillor is calling it quits.
After eight years representing Harrison Ward, Glenn Goodfellow has decided to bow out of politics to focus on his family and himself.
Speaking to Star Weekly, Cr Goodfellow said he realises he has missed a lot of valuable time with his children, and it was time for family to come first.
He said his mental health has suffered while on council – and he needs to focus on that, too.
“There are other driving factors,” he said. “There have been ups and downs, but respect between councillors has diminished.
“It’s a lot more ego-driven now, and that’s not in the best interest of the community.”
Speaking about his suspension from council late last year, Cr Goodfellow admitted he said something inappropriate to a fellow councillor.
“I admit that I did the wrong thing – I sometimes speak without thinking, but I have since apologised,” he said.
By way of advice to the organisation he is leaving, Cr Goodfellow said Wyndham needs to work on its communication with residents.
“An example … we’re spending $35 million a year on local roads, but people don’t understand the difference between the road network and who is responsible for what, so the easiest organisation to blame is council.”
He said he sees that changing under the leadership of new chief executive Kelly Grigsby.
On council’s achievements during his time, he lists lobbying for the Regional Rail Link and the removal of level crossings.
The Sneydes Road bridge is another major achievement, he said, along with the sale of state-owned land back to the community.
Eagle Stadium and Aquapulse were also wins, but council’s handling of the rebuild of Bayview Park was disappointing, he said.
He said it was frustrating that he was often forced to support council’s stance on issues when personally he disagreed.
Questioned on whether this is the end of his career in politics, Cr Goodfellow responded: “To quote Arnold Schwarzenegger – I’ll be back.”
Councillors Marie Brittan, Michele Wharrie, Intaj Khan, Peter Maynard and Heather Marcus signalled they will re-contest their seats; Bob Fairclough and Gautam Gupta are still deciding.
Peter Gibbons, John Gibbons, and Adele Hegedich did not respond to Star Weekly’s calls.
