I received really interesting feedback about my thoughts on how to select the mayor of our city. A former council worker wants to bend my ear on his view that under no circumstances should there be a separate poll to choose the mayor. He believes that system is more flawed than the one we currently have, and points to Geelong as the perfect example of why it is wrong.
I don’t live in Geelong, but I think their bloke has actually done a lot of good for the city. He is a self-promoter of the highest order, but he also has done a lot to put the city of Geelong on the map. The role is a bit like a football club president. Take David Smorgon and Frank Costa, for instance. They were good for their football clubs, but the clubs were also good for their public profile.
I feel the same about the mayoral role. I’m happy to have a mayor who gets a greater public profile while he or she is promoting the city, as long as the city always comes first.
Remember when John So put both himself and Melbourne on the map? Well, Robert Doyle is doing the same now. I’d love to hear your views. And here’s a test for long-time residents: Name the last six mayors of Wyndham.
One really good point raised by a few readers was, where is the next generation of leaders? We all know it’s difficult to give the time when you’re young and forging your career and raising a family. Many have done that before because they had the passion and commitment, but that seems to be harder to find these days.
I think one major reason is the increase in the bureaucracy and time commitment associated with getting involved. We seem to be making it harder rather than easier for people to get involved, and I can’t work out why.
Upper Point Cook … you’re kidding!
Upper Point Cook? Really! Give me a break. This is being sold to us as a New York-style development, but what exactly does that mean? There’s nothing ‘Upper’ about Point Cook, from what I have seen. Upper also implies there’s a ‘Lower Point Cook’. I have a suggestion where you can put Upper Point Cook. What’s yours?
■ What do you think? Post a comment below
■ If you have any news or events, let me know at kevin@howdypartnersmedia.com.au
