By Charlene Macaulay
Wyndham councillor Tony Hooper will run 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, and 74 per cent of respondents were from Point Cook.
Traffic congestion, better public transport and more schools topped the concerns of respondents.
Cr Hooper, who was elected to Harrison ward in the 2016 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.”
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 tilt.
View the survey’s findings at: www.tonyhooper.com.au/Survey
Charlene Macaulay
