CANDIDATES’ FORUM, Tuesday 23rd November, 7pm to 8.30pm

Local Government Elections
4th December, 2021

 Additional questions that weren't answered at the Forum have been posted to the TAG Facebook page for candidates to comment

The change of date for the forum was made to accommodate the attendance of incumbent councillors.

The Toronto Action Group and the Rathmines, Toronto and Five Islands Sustainable Neighbourhood Groups have organised a West Ward candidates’ Forum to be held online as a Webinar on Tuesday 23rd November from 7 pm to 8.30 pm.

This Candidates’ Forum will precede the Lake Macquarie Local Government elections being held on 4th December. The Forum will give both Mayoral and West Ward candidates an opportunity to answer a range of questions submitted by members of the community.

Residents are invited to submit issues and questions by:
• Email - toronto.action.group.info@gmail.com
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TorontoActionGroup
• Drop a note in to the CPPA letterbox (197 Skye Point Rd)
• Post it to PO Box 329, Toronto.

One concern already raised is that many Councillors seem reluctant to engage with residents and lack an understanding of what the community needs and wants. At the same time, there is seen to be a lot of ‘spin’ that promotes Council in the media but largely ignores community feedback.

Council’s profit-making operations appear to be interfering with its primary responsibilities to the community at a time when our rapidly expanding population needs more parkland for recreation. The failure to reclassify the ‘Operational’ land at Bath Street on Toronto’s foreshore as ‘Community’ (Park) Land highlights this concern.

Others have questioned whether some Councillors consider that the development controls are only a ‘guideline’ and therefore are too willing to allow extra height and bulk to large developments. The LEP allows Council to grant exemptions under certain conditions when in the ‘public interest’, but are outcomes more in the ‘developer’s interest’?

Other issues relate to lack of car parking and the need for more and better maintained shared pathways.

There is also a general concern over the apparent reluctance of Councillors to direct the Council staff on implementing important decisions.

It is pity that a majority of candidates have failed to complete the optional section (part 2) of the nomination form, which gives the opportunity to provide some detail on the candidate’s beliefs and policies – sadly in most cases we are left in the dark!

Mayoral candidates are:

• Kay Fraser (Labor)
• Rosmairi Dawson (Independent)
• Luke Cubis (Lake Mac Independents)
• Jason Pauling (Liberal)

Councillor Candidates are:

The first two listed candidates for the West Ward Councillors from the nominated parties are:

• Group A: Jason Pauling, Lindsay Paterson (Liberal)
• Group B: Luke Cubis, David Gibson (Lake Mac Independents)
• Group C: Ingrid Schraner, Kim Grierson (The Greens)
• Group D: David Belcher, Madeline Bishop (Labor)

Ungrouped:

• Rosmairi Dawson (Independent)

For the 2021 Local Government elections, you will only be able to vote in person in your council area.

Local Polling Places are:

• Coal Point Public School, Rofe Street, Coal Point.
• Kilaben Bay Community Hall- Kilaben Rd, Kilaben Bay.
• Toronto Multi-Purpose Centre – 9 Thorne Street.
• Biraban, Blackalls Park, Fassifern and Fennell Bay Public Schools.

There will be additional COVID safety measures in place this election

Early voting or pre-poll is available from Monday 22 November to Friday 3 December 2021. Any person enrolled to vote may vote by pre-poll at the Meeting Rooms, Toronto Library, 7 Pemell Street.

• Postal voting is available if you are self-isolating or believe you pose a risk to those around you

Voting on the day at a polling place you’ll be required to

• check-in with QR code
• 1.5m physical distancing at all times
• BYO pen if possible
• Hand sanitise at entry and exit

Another measure mandated under the Local Government Act to reduce the risk of infection from COVID-19 is that handing out ‘How to Vote’ electoral material will not be permitted within 100 metres of a polling place or pre-polling office.

Candidates' Forum

This is a good reason to join us on 23rd November to get to know the candidates before voting to ensure the best prospects for the future of our area.

Register now to attend this online forum in the comfort of your home at https://west-ward-and-mayoral-candidates-online-forum.eventbrite.com.au. You will then be sent a Zoom link the week before the Forum.