Will 3000 signatures translate to votes?

The vocal minority are alleging that 3000 signatures on a petition are not significant.

Two correspondents simultaneously quote similar statistics and presumptuously arrive at the same illogical conclusion.

The two correspondents naively imply that 3000 signatures do not reflect the community's sentiment.

I believe that 3000 signatures is only the tip of a very big iceberg.

Are they calling for a referendum?

It could coincide with the next Council election.

Fortunately, it is not important what these two correspondents think.

On the other hand, the opinions of the local branches of the two main political parties become very relevant.

The votes of four Liberal and two Labour councillors will receive plenty of scrutiny when this matter comes before Council.

Both parties have the opportunity to demonstrate that they are capable and trustworthy representatives of the community.

If the major parties choose to ignore the grass roots objections to a second McDonalds outlet on the Peninsula, they risk being punished at future local, state and federal elections for betraying their constituents.

The electorate will be reminded of any acts of treachery through forums like this publication.

One can only wonder if Cr Chris Holstein, the man with two hats and one head, considers that 3000 signatures on a petition is a significant number.

Will 3000 signatures translate to sufficient votes to make him a one term wonder on Macquarie St if he happens to misread the mood of the electorate?

There is a genuine people powered protest in progress and I trust that it will prevail.

Email, 14 Feb 2012 Tim Haylor, Umina