BALLOT packs are being mailed out this week for the council election. There were 35 nominations for Frankston Council this year. Voting will close at 6pm on 23 October, with results declared on 13 November.
Justin Turner
What is your occupation? I am a director of a small business & Estate Agency in the city of Frankston.
Are you a member of a political party? If so, which one? Im not affiliated with, a member of or endorsed by any political party.
What suburb do you live in? I live in Frankston North and have done so since 2012.
What is the biggest issue facing council? Aside from the lack of forward momentum, future planning and relevant services that the community of Frankston have been and are demanding. We as a city need to ensure that we are working with our community in a transparent, consultative approach to form a pathway out of COVID and the recession. Small business have been an unintended consequence of both the over reaching lack of council support, incentives and investment at a local level. We have a city that is calling for sustainable growth, a focus on community participation and future planning that is not being heard or represented.
What do you hope to achieve if you are elected to council? What changes would you make? Tighter fiscal management, reinvigorate the “gateway” to Frankston and finalise the Nepean Highway project, revive and resist the Carrum Downs Commercial/Industrial precinct, transparency and integrity around council and councillors, form a 20 year plan around the city, services and planning schemes ,concentrate on consultation and participation to ensure we are listening and acting in the best interests of our city community members, work as a team in council.
Stan Doric
What is your occupation? Hospitality manager/scriptwriter
Are you a member of a political party? If so, which one? No
What suburb do you live in? Frankston North
What is the biggest issue facing council? Honoring to committed budgeted projects which may no longer be a priority or necessary now due to the impact left by Covid.
What do you hope to achieve if you are elected to council? What changes would you make? Financial stability and clear focus for a better healthier happier lifestyle for our community with successful and prosperous recovery from Covid. With the support of other councillors change what is not priority or necessary now, and focus on items to stabilise the current situation left by Covid and focus for the future growth in the economy and services for the people in the North-West Ward and Frankston City.
Gabriel Norris
What is your occupation? I am an experienced project and event manager. For the past 4 years I have worked with a schools association, facilitating cultural events for 14 local secondary schools. I have spent the past 14 years volunteering in community programs and recently got a job coordinating volunteers for a local social enterprise employer.
Are you a member of a political party? If so, which one? I am not a member of a political party.
What suburb do you live in? I live in Frankston.
What is the biggest issue facing council? The unemployment rate in Frankston is significantly higher than the national average. I believe that meaningful employment is one of the most significant ways to address long term poverty, homelessness and mental health issues. I would love to see more programs and opportunities by the council to promote employment in Frankton and to connect people with the services available to help them.
Banson Wong
What is your occupation? I am the owner of a carpet cleaning business employing two people.
Are you a member of a political party? If so, which one? I am a member of the Liberal Party of Australia.
What suburb do you live in? I reside in Carrum Downs.
What is the biggest issue facing council? Dysfunction has been the hallmark of Frankston Council of late.
What do you hope to achieve if you are elected to council? What changes would you make? My key goal is to do more with existing resources to keep rates stable. I want a growth friendly culture in Frankston.
Cr Kris Bolam JP
What is your occupation? Policy Officer, Department of Social Services.
Are you a member of a political party? If so, which one? I have never have been a member of a political party and have no involvement with special-interest groups
What suburb do you live in? Frankston since 1994
What was your proudest achievement of this council term? I have raised more matters in the chamber than any other councillor, investigated far more queries than the councillor average, attended well over 90% of meetings and have achieved a 57% increase in infrastructure monies for my ward since 2016. Without sounding boastful, I have literally achieved hundreds of outcomes – it’s too hard to isolate one or two.
What was your biggest regret of this council term? The breakdown in negotiations with the Frankston District Basketball Stadium which saw the abandonment of the $13 million dollar Frankston Basketball Stadium redevelopment in Seaford. I am very determined for this project to proceed as the stadium is in dire need of a major upgrade.
What do you hope to achieve in your next council term? With state and federal support bound to dry out due to COVID-19, it is vital that the Council steps up its advocacy and lobbying efforts to ensure governments are held to account for any funding shortfall. My priority if re-elected is to keep infrastructure delivery flowing and protecting essential community services in what will be probable recession and depression conditions.
Candidates Jocelyn Torres, Steven Hughes, Sue Baker, Jeff Shelley, and Cr Michael O’Reilly did not respond to emailed questions by deadline.
Alan Middleton and Cr Glenn Aitken did not provide email addresses to the VEC
*Editor’s note: Some answers have been abbreviated.
