Hello, my name is Jeff Lambert and I want to represent you at the new Gympie Regional Council which has its inauguration on the 15th March 2008. My desire to represent you does not stem from previous Council representation, rather it is motivated by listening to and importantly, understanding the wants of people within the community with whom I have had extensive contact and dialogue.
‘All of area’ representation makes life truly difficult for independent electioneering and favours the logistical and financial backing of the political parties. For instance to communicate by just one letter to all electors in the new amalgamated area would approximate $14,000 less whatever Australia Post allows as bulk postage concession. With this in mind some of us have grouped together as a team of independents to assist with the financial constraints.
During discussions on the above, it was revealed that this particular team have common aims on how we consider Council should be operated to the full benefit of the residents of the new amalgamated region. Whilst the everyday bread and butter issues may be carried out in true independent manner, the running of Council in an open, transparent and accountable manner is best supported by cohesive unity. Our team, under the name of Integrity are therefore dedicated to this task.
Although the above is the aim of the team, each candidate appreciates that success of election relies upon his or her own individual commitment to truly representing the electorate. The team remains absolutely independent of any political, lobby or monetary interests.
My own position on representation is that it is (or should be) an open communication between Councillor and Resident. Some residents are content to follow the status quo and do not want to be involved with council matters. Others take an interest where it affects their amenity whilst others take an overall interest in the Shires progress. All three aspects, I feel, demand respect for individual opinion, however for those of the latter two interests the council should always be open to their ideas and comments.
True representation is lost in many instances once councillors have been elected. I view representation as an ongoing matter of, not only listening to the residents, but also conversing with them on issues of concern. Further I view Local Government as the grass roots of our governments three tier system and therefore the grass roots of our democratic system. We cannot live in a bubble by not contributing and hope that democracy will look after itself, as democracy is and will always be tested by self interest throughout our communities, thus making protection of democracy an ongoing issue. I would, in keeping with the aims of the integrity team be honoured to serve your interests by fighting for an open, transparent and accountable Council. Not one of hidden agendas or secret meetings, but one of true democratic direction.
My areas of interest and pursuance in my role of Councillor if elected, are…(Click Here)
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