Warning community could lose

KINGBOROUGH Mayor Steve Wass warns the community will be the biggest loser if party politics plays a larger role in future councils.

Eighteen candidates are contesting the 10 Kingborough Council seats with at least five of them members of major political parties.

The Greens have endorsed three candidates — mayoral candidate Richard Atkinson, Gideon Cordover and Aman- da Midgley. Sitting councillor Sue Bastone is a member of the Liberal Party but says she is “apolitical” along with candidate Christian Street.

Councillor and mayor hopeful Dean Winter is a member of the Labor Party but has previously vowed to be an independent mayor, if elected.

Of the 18 candidates, eight are independent including Tony Burley, Paul Chatterton, Flora Fox, David Grace, John McDonald, Samantha Scar- lett, Deputy Mayor Paula Wreidt and Cr Wass.

The remaining candidates could not be reached.

Cr Wass said the past three or four elections had seen an increase in interest from political parties.

“Initially it was the Greens but we certainly have Liberal and Labor members as well.

“Ideally it would be better if there was no party politics.

“The potential fallout is that you start making decisions along party lines and not what the community wants.”

Cr Atkinson said being a Greens candidate acted as shorthand for what his values were and could be easily identified by voters.

“I think there is value in being upfront with my political affiliation,” he said.

“It doesn’t mean the Greens have ever directed me on how to vote on an issue.”

Cr Wreidt said Kingborough Council had remained apolitical in its decision making.