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.
Brad Hill
What is your occupation? IT and telecoms engineer
Are you a member of a political party? If so, which one? I’ve been a Labor member – but just a member. Not an endorsed candidate.
What suburb do you live in? Frankston
What is the biggest issue facing council? Value for our rates! And stability – and end to infighting
What do you hope to achieve if you are elected to council? What changes would you make? A focus on basic services – roadside hard rubbish to be retained – and a return to tip vouchers with our rates notices
Claire Harvey
What is your occupation? This is my seventh year working part-time at Bayside Christian College as HR Manager and Careers Coordinator.
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? Frankston City remains jam-packed with potential, however many improvements that constituents are keen to see implemented require significant financial investment. This presents an incredibly challenging scenario for Council when so many households and businesses are already struggling to make ends meet, with many people in need of help and assistance.
What do you hope to achieve if you are elected to council? What changes would you make? Elected councillors must work collaboratively and effectively to serve the people of Frankston well. In facing the various impacts of COVID-19 there is an urgent need to prioritise job creation and getting businesses’ back to business, while also caring for our most vulnerable people and protecting our valuable natural environment.
Stephen McDonald
What is your occupation? Director, Partnerships, Policy & Practice and co-founder at the Centre for Humanitarian Leadership.
Are you a member of a political party? If so, which one? I am running as an independent, however I do not discuss my political affiliations because as part of my job requires me to work with State and Federal MPs and Senators irrespective of their political party. Local Government is no place for party politics.
What suburb do you live in? I live in Frankston South with my partner and three children, who all attend local schools.
What is the biggest issue facing council? COVID-19 recovery – rate freeze and job growth. Poor culture and governance – we cannot have a repeat of the last four years, and need greater transparency and accountability in council. Urban renewal – we need to move forward on a city-wide strategic vision, which includes all localities, not just the CBD.
Darrel Taylor
What is your occupation? Project Manager for the Department of Defence. I purchase Military Equipment to support the efforts of our men and Woman (sic) of the ADF.
Are you a member of a political party? If so, which one? Liberal Party. Running as an Independent as the Party does not endorse candidates or authorise the use of Liberal branding.
What suburb do you live in? Frankston South
What is the biggest issue facing council? What do you hope to achieve if you are elected to council? What changes would you make? Good governance and sensible decision making is a must after the issues of the last Council. Preparing the budget for the post Covid 19 recovery is my highest priority.
Carmen Griffiths
What is your occupation? Sales Representative and Energy Assessor
Are you a member of a political party? If so, which one? No I am not a member of a political party.
What suburb do you live in? Frankston South
What is the biggest issue facing council? The biggest issue facing the council is the separation of the different wards. To me this division only serves to do exactly that; divide. Once the three wards are able to work together united, we can do great things. That’s something I hope to achieve for Frankston.
Candidates Evalyn Clow, Peter Malone, Liam Hughes, Cr Steve Toms, and Jerome Hughes did not respond to emailed questions by deadline.
*Editor’s note: Some answers have been abbreviated.
