Residents' association surveys council election opinion
The Peninsula Residents' Association have set up an online survey to gauge the opinion of Peninsula residents on their preferences for the timing of Central Coast Council elections.
Both Liberal and Labor Parties are supporting almost another two years of Council Administration, with council elections held in September 2024.
They argue that residents have had enough elections in recent years and have no appetite for another election within the next year; and that the cost and inconvenience of conducting an election does not warrant bringing it forward a year.
The Residents' Association believes that local democracy should not be delayed simply on the basis of administrative convenience, according to vice-chair Mr Julian Bowker.
"Democracy is our best guarantee of a well-governed and equitable society.
"Is it true that residents don't want another election so soon, or is it simply that the party machines are not ready for one?
"Council is under administration and the local population only has one representative, the Administrator.
"Given there is a State election in March would you want a council election in September to elect councillors for one year and then again in September 2024 for four years, or would you prefer to keep the Administrator and wait until September 2024 for council elections.
"We are interested in what the Peninsula community actually thinks.
"Please tell us your opinion at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/H2NDT6G."
SOURCE:
Media release, 8 Dec 2022
Julian Bowker, Peninsula Residents' Association