By Charlene Macaulay
Wyndham councillor Tony Hooper will run as an independent in this year’s state election after an online survey uncovered overwhelming support for an independent candidate.
Cr Hooper said he made the decision to contest the seat of Altona after collating the results of an online survey he ran over July and August to find out what issues were important to locals and what they expect from a local MP.
A total 96 per cent of respondents said they wanted to be represented by a “strong and effective independent voice”.
The survey attracted 325 responses, with 74 per cent of respondents coming from Point Cook.
Traffic congestion, better public transport and more schools topped the concerns of survey respondents.
Cr Hooper, who was elected to Harrison ward in the November 2016 council election, said he was keen to advocate on these matters at a higher level of government.
“All of these I have championed for years and it’s just not good enough that the major parties haven’t delivered,” he said.
“People are proud of their community but want local solutions, not party politics, to address a range of needs left too long on the waiting list.
“Having heard that the issues of concern to me resonate across the Altona District, and that nearly every resident surveyed wanted an independent to stand, I will gladly stand up for my community and run for election.”
Cr Hooper is the first Wyndham councillor to throw his hat in the ring for a state seat. As reported by Star Weekly, fellow councillors Intaj Khan and Walter Villagonzalo are also considering a state tilt.
View the survey’s findings at: www.tonyhooper.com.au/Survey
