Pick of the polls

By Paul Dunlop
PAKENHAM residents have a big choice of candidates when voters go to the polls in Cardinia Shire Council elections.
A recent restructure of electoral boundaries saw three wards, Pakenham, Toomuc and Beaconhills, combined into one ‘super’ Central Ward based around the growth corridor.
Council mayor Garry Runge and councillors Leonora Cox, Kate Lempriere and Bill Ronald are among a field of 10 candidates vying for three positions on the council.
Also seeking election in the Central Ward are former Berwick and Pakenham Shire councillor Ian Farrell, Cathy Harbison, Cheryl BillingSmith, Tracey Radford, Brett Owen and David Drinkwater.
An interesting contest is expected with preferences likely to play a big part in the result.
The Central Ward contest is expected to be among the key focal points of the election campaign.
Voters will receive their ballot packs in the mail early next month. Postal voting closes at 6pm on 25 November.
Four candidates including Cr Helen Ward will contest the Bunyip Ward. Former councillors Bill Pearson and Ted Owen and Yakkerboo Festival president Graeme Moore are also seeking election.
Ranges Ward sees seven candidates vying for two vacancies. Cr Graeme Legge, who has been part of Cardinia council since it was formed, will contest the seat alongside Noel Ridgway, David Nickell, Ed Chatwin, Matthew Wood, Carla Gates and Keith Ewenson.
Port Ward will see sitting councillor Doug Hamilton pitted against Philip Murphy.