Where to now for a suspended ex-councillor
Suspended councillor Ryan Bayldon-Lumsden lost the election. This unprecedented campaign saw the sleepy Gold Coast suburbs of Labrador and Silver Bridle gain world media focus. How did the politics play out?
From the moment candidates Joe Wilkinson and Jenna Schroeder began door knocking, it was obvious Division 7 was divided on their young councillor running for a second term.
Residents split into four strongly held viewpoints.
Many supported Cr Bayldon-Lumsden even though they knew his legal case would drag on and he might not represent them until it was resolved
Others said they supported the incumbent councillor, appreciated the work he had done but they were open to another candidate – if they cared as much about roads, rates and rubbish.
Another grouping of residents said they would not vote for the councillor.
Many ratepayers did not know who their councillor was – which is not unusual. But candidates were stunned to learn some did not realise he was facing criminal proceedings.
Mr Bayldon-Lumsden had been suspended from office by the State on full pay after being charged with the murder of his stepfather Robert Lumsden, 58, at their Arundel home on August 23 last year. His legal team has entered a not guilty plea to the murder charge.
Just before Christmas, he told your columnist why he was running for reelection, and how Premier Steven Miles indicated there was no “prohibiting factor”.
“If the people of Division 7 do indeed choose for me to continue as their representative in Council it would then be upon the Minister to determine if they wish to go against the will of the people,” he said.
This caused Gaven MP Meaghan Scanlon, now the Local Government Minister, to keep watch – because the councillor was likely to lead the count, the outcome determined by preferences.
Colleague and now ex-councillor William Owen-Jones and Bonney MP Sam O’Connor, on social media, fired off some shots on why it was unlikely the suspension would be lifted.
This had some impact on voters, because it was reported widely in the mainstream media.
Mr Wilkinson took it a step further, in a “respectful” manner during two weeks of pre-polling as he stood at the back of other candidates, to raise the question of representation.
None of the other candidates including Edward Sarroff, Joel McInnes and Bruce Byatt Schroeder preferenced Mr Bayldon-Lumsden.
But at pre-poll and on polling day there was none of the street theatre in the Deep South, the CBD and out west in the hinterland. All smiles as bright as diamonds – no “d-heads” here.
Mr Bayldon-Lumsden obtained 21.72 per cent of the vote – 618 votes behind Mr Wilkinson, trailing Ms by 46 votes.
Mr Wilkinson in a post on Facebook after being declared the winner, made special mention of Ms Schroeder.
“This has been an election which divided locals more than ever so as I take on this role, I’ll be doing all I can to bring our community together,” he wrote.
As Mr O’Connor bought coffee and sandwiches during the final count for everyone, someone pondered why Mr Bayldon-Lumsden was absent.
Your columnist had tried to contact him. He was busy doing community volunteer work.
TAKING OUT THE ‘GARBAGE’
Deep South keyboard warrior Karen Rowles did not agree with our poll punter’s guide.
“Bulletin journalist Paul Weston has written this garbage in today’s pro light rail newspaper Let’s prove Paul Weston andthe Bias Bulletin wrong — vote Nikki Archer,” she posted.
The punter’s guide proved accurate apart from not predicting Ryan Bayldon-Lumsden running third and Gail O’Neil being in sucha tight race with Kath Down.
For the record, Ms Archer later thanked the Bulletin for its balanced poll reporting.
GAME ON
Another Deep South keyboard warrior, Bob Anthony, has awoken from the slumber of summer cricket to post as a “supporter” on the Titans page and other fan Facebook groups.
These regular rants renowned for their prolific typos - the Titans coach is called “Des Hassler” - fail to mention he supports the Tweed Seagulls, currently last in the Q-Cup.
Former media colleague Jeremy Pierce has urged “Cobaki” Bob to at least buy a jumper, attend a game. “I don’t recall much ‘supporting’ from your neck of the woods, just armchair pile-ons when they lose,” he wrote.
TAKEN TO HEART
For some politicians, being returned with a much lower vote is like water off a duck’s back. But Gail O’Neill has taken her result to heart.
Watching the Division 14 councillor on several days of a tense count, it was obvious to see the personal impact of having almost half the division not vote for her.
She will not be chairing a committee and has vowed to reach out to those in the community who disagreed with her and council’s policies.
NOT GOING ANYWHERE
Expect to see some candidates who built a strong profile during the local government poll, to stay around as community activists.
Samantha Delmege who ran against Brooke Patterson in Southport has told residents: “I will continue to advocate for you”.
Jenna Schroeder who lost in a tight battle to Joe Wilkinson in Division 7 will continue working for the Black Dog Institute, Labrador P&C and Animal Welfare League and running Labrador 4215.
“I’ve been blown away by the support I’ve received from the community and the good news is I’m not going anywhere,” she told your columnist.
“Candidates were stunned to learn some people did not realise he was facing criminal proceedings.