By Kevin Hillier
We forever hear that politics and sport should not and do not mix, but I am finding it hard to find anything that does mix naturally with politics except broken promises, dodgy deals, unhealthy egos and personal agendas. It is increasingly difficult to find a politician who is not guilty of at least one of these. While it might be due to the nature of the business, does that mean we have to settle for that kind of representation? Sadly the answer seems to be yes.
It is not exactly a coveted job, and ranks as one of the least trustworthy in existence. While it is wrong to tar all with the same brush, it is like finding a needle in a haystack unearthing the genuine article these days.
That is our job between now and the state poll in November and whenever the federal election is called.
It is timely to remind our councillors it is not their job to be involved in the lead-up to either election. Ratepayers did not elect them to be PR people for prospective or incumbent members of Parliament, and that is irrespective of any party allegiance they might or might not claim to have.
Current members of council should be just that. They should not be running for state or federal seats and they should not be actively campaigning for any candidate. They should be trying to get the best outcomes for ratepayers through funding for local projects.
The council is there to work with the state government, regardless of which party holds power, and they need to be as independent as possible to negotiate on our behalf. This is a time for councillors to maintain a very balanced view on all issues, and to remember who they are representing. The latter should be their modus operandi at all times.
Unhealthy egos and personal agendas, as previously mentioned, cloud judgement and decision making far too much at all levels of government. It would be refreshing to see someone rise above the usual level of performance in the coming weeks.
