Councillor responds

I WRITE to respond to Tuesday’s letter authored by Mr Meibusch. Firstly, the Local Government Act was amended in 2012 to allow sitting councillors the ability to run in a State or Federal seat without resigning.

When I put my hat in the ring for preselection of Toowoomba South, following the 2016 council election, my withdrawal had nothing to do with any other candidates who may be running – no one had announced at that time that I was aware of – my decision to withdraw was based purely on listening to the people.

I received many calls from residents from all walks of life wanting me to stay in local government.

Part of the statement I made at that time was, “There has been good support for me to make the move to Toowoomba

South, but there has been much stronger support for me to stay at council. I am humbled by this feedback and, following deliberations with my family, I have made a very measured decision to stay at council where I can continue to do great things through my water and waste portfolio, which I have a passion for.

“I now commit to remaining in local government into the future, for as long as the electors of the region want me. As we are reminded regularly through the media, it is important to listen to the people and that is what I have done and, having made this decision, I am excited about continuing to be productive as a councillor for the whole region, instead of just representing one small section of the region at a state level.”

I am glad I made that decision as I truly enjoy my role on council and I take comfort in knowing that David Janetzke CR NANCY SOMMERFIELD MP and Trevor Watts MP do a tremendous job representing our city in State Government.