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Should Councillors act on behalf of certain locations?
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Do you believe Councillors once elected should be assigned to represent certain locations (i.e a Councillor assigned to Wauchope or Camden Haven)
This online discussion forum has concluded. You can still browse the site but the discussion area will no longer accept new comments or votes.
Comment 1 29 Oct 2009, 11:03 PM
NO ALL COUNCILLORS SHOULD ACT FOR THE WHOLE OF THE HASTINGS.
Comment 1.1 30 Oct 2009, 6:25 AM
Agreed.
Comment 2 30 Oct 2009, 7:25 AM
A councillor for a particular area would have a more intimate knowledge of that particular ward and thus be aware of problems/opportunities, they would be more likely be able to get to know more local people in that area,they would thus be more accountable and their actions in voting more transparent instead of hiding behind group tickets or voting blocks
Comment 3 4 Nov 2009, 10:31 AM
I do not agree with the idea of Councillors being assigned to particular areas unless it was in addition to being representatives for the whole of the Hastings as well. That would perpetuate the parochial approach and too many issues are LGA wide in their relevance. As an example, look how much interest has been expressed about Timbertown from people outside Wauchope.
Comment 4 4 Nov 2009, 10:52 AM
Yes, I agree, as long as this is not to the detriment of the councillor's voice being heard in matters pertaining to the whole of the LGA. Having more local representation would also remove the perception that PM-Hastings Council is only interested in Port Macquarie and not the Camden Haven or Wauchope.
Comment 5 4 Nov 2009, 1:18 PM
The LGA cannot afford to have councillors who operate only for their local area. They need to have a concern for the whole of the LGA as we are all interdependent and no one locallity or community within the LGA can operate in isolation.
Comment 6 2 Dec 2009, 3:51 PM
I have not heard of such a stupid idea. Councillors should be elected for the whole area and need to represent the whole community. In this day and age of modern communication residents can get to all councillors very easily. This proposal is a step backwards.
Comment 7 21 Dec 2009, 11:09 AM
No they should act for the good of all
Comment 8 27 Dec 2009, 12:36 PM
This is a great debate and to fully understand the issue you only have to look at states such as WA or Queensland where the idea of Wards is well established. My own thoughts are that having wards would enable a more focused approached to local issues in a particular ward but, more importantly, would make elected members more accountable to their community. This system would still allow public debate and voting on council wide issues and gives voters a local point of contact to air concerns directly etc.
