Few candidates and even fewer voters turn out

By Melissa Grant
THE Pakenham Hall was almost empty on Thursday night when residents had the chance to meet the council candidates seeking their vote.
The 2005 Cardinia Ratepayers and Residents Association (CRRA) Meet the Candidates night attracted a 250-strong crowd but only about 30 people attended this year’s meeting.
There were also fewer candidates, with just eight of 17 taking part.
Nominees had three minutes to address the audience before the floor was opened to the public.
Climate change, council spending and politics dominated discussion during the two-hour meeting.
Central Ward candidate Collin Ross said it was imperative that the council reduce its debt ($41.5 million) and that he would push for a debt-reduction strategy if elected. Mr Ross said he would also seek to lower annual rate increases.
Robert Campbell, who is also running for Central Ward, said voters needed to think long-term when putting pen to ballot paper.
“Over the next 10 to 20 years Cardinia will face challenges,” he said.
Mr Campbell said Cardinia residents were too dependent on their cars and this needed to change as fuel prices continued to climb.
Incumbent Brett Owen said he had worked hard on improving youth services in Cardinia and would continue to do so if re-elected.
During his term the council has introduced youth and crime prevention strategies. A mobile youth bus will soon be launched and Cr Owen says he was still pushing for a designated youth facility.
“I want to make sure young people are looked after,” he said.
Linda Hamilton, Ed Chatwin, Stuart Halligan, Catherine Manning and Gloria O’Connor – who are standing in the shire’s other wards – also attended last Thursday’s meeting.
Residents are invited to attend another Meet the Candidates session tonight (Thursday) from 8pm at the Pakenham Hall.