Fake democracy, fake merger - we deserve better

Now that the nominations and their positions on the ballot paper are known, we can roughly work out who might be elected.

With a total of 94 hopefuls to choose from we should be able to find some decent talent among them, and there is.

Unfortunately, the way the electoral system is being rorted, the big parties will get one each in each of the five wards, leaving five places to be filled by some new talent.

Former councillors Eaton and Holstein will likely take the third place in Wyong and Gosford West respectively.

Also another former star in Greg Best will likely take the third place in the Budgewoi ward leaving two places for genuine independents or community representatives.

One would think that the Save Tuggerah Lakes candidate would be able to do preference deals to get at least one seat.

Where does this leave the community?

One seat to scrap for.

Alas, preference deals will probably see one of the big two get a second up without quota.

With an unwanted merger and an election result taken out of the voters control, the disconnect between the council and the electorate will be even greater than with the former Gosford Council - just the way the big parties like it.

Their pro-development, growth at any cost, mantra enshrined in the state parliament will be forced on the willing Labor and Liberal candidates who will effectively control the council.

Fake democracy!

Fake merger, fake council.

The long suffering residents deserve better than this.

A simple two wards of 10 candidates each would at least give community candidates a rough chance.

Letter, 16 Aug 2017

Bryan Ellis, Umina