Former councillor Russell Turner is standing again for Orange City Council. Photo: JUDE KEOGH
THERE will be two opportunities next week for people interested in running for council to learn more about the job but for one candidate the position holds few surprises.
Former state MP for Orange and 12-year veteran of Orange City Council Russell Turner announced his candidacy through the Central Western Daily today.
Unlike most of the new candidates for the September 8 poll Mr Turner knows that along with the satisfaction of representing the community at this grassroots level comes plenty of work and, more often than not, loads of criticism.
On Tuesday morning and Wednesday afternoon the council will host seminars for people contemplating a tilt at council.
Several have already put up their hands, but there may be more waiting to hear more about the responsibilities and rewards before committing.
There are some big decisions ahead for the new council and the next four years look set to be even more contentious than the current term.
Water security has dominated debate with both the cost and the environmental impact of the Macquarie pipeline constantly on the news agenda.
The indoor pool has also galvanised the community, though much of this is because of the construction debacle beyond council’s control.
At the 11th hour a “back-to-basics” pledge by council on roads and footpaths reflects what many residents think, that the big picture has blinded council to the importance of more mundane matters.
The novices will learn soon enough that there are not buckets of unallocated funds lying around and deciding how to spend what’s left in the city budget will demanding work indeed.