Candidates and the issues
Where do you stand on:
l Rates: Orange rates are too high and there are two different policies for pensioners, 5 per cent and 10 per cent. This can be seen as discrimination.
l Would you ever vote for a special rate increase above the cap set by the state government?
High cost projects should be examined to see the effect on rates before beginning. Also, Orange City Council is over governed.
l Conservation versus development: Council’s policy varies depending on who you are, it is very inconsistent.
l Macquarie Pipeline: Would you vote to halt the pipeline project? (yes or no) Yes, I would be prepared to halt work and ask for consultants for and against to present their case in front of suitably qualified people.
l What major capital works do you think Orange needs? Many things must be known before starting large capital works, such as debt to income, unfinished projects, time frame and money owing, road maintenance is a must, Suma Park, a museum, restoration of the showground.
l What projects or facilities would you forego to fund them if necessary?
(Not addressed)
l Successes of the previous council? (List up to four)
The only success Orange City Council has on the books is the PCYC, everything else, Wade Park, the heated pool etc were all over time and over budget.
l Failures of the previous council? (List up to four)
The Westgeest debacle, Wade Park, the deliberate neglect and destruction of the showground, the poor quality of the bypass.
l What are your policy priorities?
Open, honest, transparent governance – less closed council and more staff accountability.
l Are you in favour of: (yes or no)
A full-time mayor
No. A full-time mayor becomes just another bureaucrat with little power and a large salary. Would he compete with the general manager or only manage delegates? The position could be bought.
l Direct election of the mayor by voters
(Not addressed)