By Matthew Sims
Two other Cardinia councillors have thrown their hat back in the ring ahead of the upcoming October elections, with Toomuc Ward councillor Stephanie Davies and Ranges Ward councillor Jeff Springfield confirming they were intending to stand for re-election.
Elected in 2020, Ms Davies said she was proud of listening to everyone’s concerns, despite which ward they are from.
“I don’t shy away from hard decisions and discussions, and I’ve earned the respect of my colleagues,“ she said.
“I am passionate about Pakenham and Officer, and the whole shire, and I can commit to doing it again for another four years.
“It has truly been a privilege to do this work, and I am very grateful for the opportunity.“
Ms Davies said she would be keen to deliver upgrades to Cardinia Life if re-elected.
“Four years ago, there was no comprehensive business case for the much needed upgrade of Cardinia Life, now there is.
“I have secured some of its funding to upgrade within Council’s forward budget, and it is an extremely tight budget.
“I have also led the organisation to develop and now implement a strategic approach for advocacy for co-funding Cardinia Life with the State and Federal governments.“
Mr Springfield ran unopposed in the Ranges Ward in the 2020 election and served as mayor during the 2021-22 period, and if re-elected, would be serving the ward for a third term.
“Local governments across Victoria face the most difficult financial and social challengers that I’ve ever witnessed,“ he said.
“Post pandemic, social upheaval and accelerated inflationary costs has had an enormous impact on the way Cardinia delivers its services across our communities.
“It has been an honour to serve my community for the previous two terms and I hope to serve my community again for one more term and to hit the ground running with the experience I have gained to help lead our council through this next phase of vitally important and difficult decision making.“
