Groom frontrunner named in online poll

FIVE potential Groom candidates have come forward with their intentions to run for the seat of Groom, and have revealed their plans for the seat if elected.

The Chronicle obtained emails from the candidates which revealed their pitches for the role.

Upon reading the pitches, readers of The Chronicle took to Facebook to voice their thoughts on who they believe is the frontrunner.

The results indicated councillor Rebecca Vonhoff as the favourite among the comments, but some still took issue with the premises behind all the pitches.

Tony Lake said Cr Vonhoff would have a better chance at success due to her knowledge of the region and her experience with the Toowoomba Regional Council.

“At least as a local government councillor, Rebecca Vonhoff would have more chance of achieving anything substantial for the region,” he said.

Matt Norton and Gavin Mingay both recognised the councillor’s popularity, but had questions about her pitch and her legitimacy as a front runner.

“As much as I liked Rebecca Vonhoff, I’m disappointed she hasn’t committed at least one term to council before using it as a political stepping stone,” Mr Norton said.

“There’s more urgent work to be done in council.

“But she is popular.”

In her pitch, Cr Vonhoff said her “Christian faith” would influence her decisionmaking in parliament, which

Mr Mingay questioned.

“Does one’s Christian faith determine their position or should the views of the electorate determine their position,” he said.

“Surely if everyone in the electorate wanted something, but it was against the ‘Christian view’, a member should vote with the electorate …”

The Groom by-election, which was triggered by John McVeigh’s resignation last month, will be held on November 28.