ELEVEN candidates are running for three seats to represent the North-East ward at Frankston Council for the next four years. The North-West ward includes Carrum Downs, Langwarrin, Skye and Sandhurst.
Ballot papers are being mailed out to voters by the Victorian Electoral Commission ahead of Frankston Council elections on 22 October. Voters should return completed ballot papers well before a final deadline of Friday 21 October, 6pm.
Voters who have not received a ballot pack by Wednesday 12 October should call the VEC on 8619 1615 to arrange a replacement.
DAVID ASKER
What suburb do you live in? I live in Karingal, Frankston.
What is your occupation?
Training to become a commercial helicopter pilot. While training I am working in retail sales.
What do you believe is the number 1 issue for council to tackle? Why?
It is difficult to narrow it down to just the one issue. Having spoken to members of the community within North-East ward, the most pressing issues that came out of these discussions were community safety, graffiti, monkey bikes, anti-social behaviour and why our rates are so expensive with respect to other municipalities, and the stress of this cost on families.
If elected I will initiate closer ties with police to improve reaction times as well as lobbying the state government for more police and police infrastructure. I would also re-establish community safety meetings. With respect to rates I will be requesting an external audit to investigate where savings and efficiencies could be found.
I would also like to look at extending the free parking time within the Frankston CBD for the benefit of all.
Are you, or have you ever been, a member of a political party? If so, which party (and when if no longer a member)?
I am a member of the ALP and have been for many years. I would like to emphasise that I am not an endorsed candidate in this election.
ALEX BREDEN
What suburb do you live in? Langwarrin.
What is your occupation? Fitness Coach/Personal Trainer.
What do you believe is the number 1 issue for council to tackle? Why?
Security and safety is a concern in our area. Working with local authorities to make areas safer requires ongoing attention. Substance abuse, drugs and alcohol are an issue with our youth and this leads to increased levels of crime, violence and suicide. Mental health issues in our area are higher than the state average.
We need to connect with youths and continually work towards promoting:
- Health literacy and wellbeing of young people
- Communication and partnerships
- Young person centric care planning
- Community connectivity and participation
Are you, or have you ever been, a member of a political party? If so, which party (and when if no longer a member)? No.
Cr SANDRA MAYER
What suburb do you live in? Skye.
What is your occupation? Councillor and single mum.
What do you believe is the number 1 issue for council to tackle? Why?
Keeping the rates low while maintaining the same level of service and infrastructure.
What has been your biggest achievement during this council term?
So many, it’s a team effort, but probably getting the funding for the transit interchange redevelopment. Its a critical project to boost local economy.
What has been your biggest regret during this council term? None.
Are you, or have you ever been, a member of a political party? If so, which party (and when if no longer a member)?
Always been independent.
Cr MICHAEL O’REILLY
What suburb do you live in? Seaford.
What is your occupation? Postman.
What do you believe is the number 1 issue for council to tackle? Why?
Council needs to focus on financial responsibility ensuring every dollar is spent on local issues not political projects and overseas trips. Council must continue to attract more business to our area to tackle unemployment.
What has been your biggest achievement during this council term?
Cutting waste from the budget and redirecting money to local infrastructure. Opposing wasteful spending and bringing our graffiti policy to “in house’ resulting in increased clean ups and a budget saving of over $100,000 per year.
What has been your biggest regret during this council term?
No regrets personally but would like to see a new council that puts egos to one side and works for the best interests of the community.
Are you, or have you ever been, a member of a political party? If so, which party (and when if no longer a member)?
Member of the Liberal Party since 2009.
J.R. PEREZ
What suburb do you live in? Frankston.
What is your occupation?
School Crossing Supervisor AKA “Lollypop Man” and volunteer at the Frankston (central) library in a digital media/text restoration project.
What do you see as Frankston’s most pressing issues and how will you resolve them?
I’ll give the short version to allow space for the other candidates. Issues are in all fronts: Infrastructure, Responsible (public) Spending, Urban Planning/Building, Youth and Aged Care. You can count on my determination to work together to achieve common goals. I am not afraid to call on people to make it happen. Best of all, I apply and demand common sense in everything I do, because no issue can be resolved without clarity about what we want, what we need and what it takes to accomplish it.
Have you ever been or are you currently a member of a political party? If so, what party and when were you involved?
I have been and I will remain involved with this political party for life: The MOAP (My Own Agenda Party).
PRASAD PHILIP
What suburb do you live in? Skye.
What is your occupation?
Self Employed (Business Analyst), Secretary of a community organisation which raises funds for needy charities. Actively involved in several community organisations.
What do you believe is the number 1 issue for council to tackle? Why?
I believe that we need a better and cohesive governance that ensures quality services to our community.
Better governance requires more community consultations so that the policies and budgets will be in accordance with the interest of the rate payer. Also, a ‘spending audit’ could bring more accountability. Rate rises should always be at CPI level to keep the cost of living pressures down. As a father of young family, I fully understand and experience totally the pressures that the cost of living has on families.
Are you, or have you ever been, a member of a political party? If so, which party (and when if no longer a member)?
I am not an endorsed candidate of any political party.
(The News emailed then called Mr Philip who refused several times during the conversation to confirm he is a member of the Liberal Party. In June The Australian newspaper and Mr Philip published a joint apology to Victorian Liberal Upper House MP Inga Peulich over comments made by Mr Philip and published in The Australian.)
DYLAN STEED
What suburb do you live in? Seaford.
What is your occupation? Electorate Officer, Parliament of Victoria.
What do you believe is the number 1 issue for council to tackle? Why?
Council has a number of issues including transparency, crime and irresponsible spending, but the topic that I am most passionate about is Youth Engagement. We need to work with our young people to give them something to do outside of school hours. Better reserves and skate parks will certainly assist but my goal is to build a Youth Hub in Carrum Downs where our youth can have access to employment, training and development programs.
Are you, or have you ever been, a member of a political party? If so, which party (and when if no longer a member)? Labor Party.
BANSON WONG
What suburb do you live in? Seaford
What is your occupation? Proprietor of a carpet and upholstery cleaning service
What do you believe is the number 1 issue for council to tackle? Why? Sky rail. A permanent, noisy, wide reaching eyesore.
Are you, or have you ever been, a member of a political party? If so, which party (and when if no longer a member)?
I am not endorsed by any political party. I am a member of the Liberal Party of Australia, Victorian Division.
Cr Colin Hampton and candidate Su Pilkington did not respond to emailed questions. Candidate Mithrani Mahadeva did not provide contact details to the Victorian Electoral Commission.
