Council nominations open
UPDATE: See foot of post
Nominations for the election opened today
Low turnout at candidate session
Purely out of curiosity, and to keep you up to date, I attended last night’s Alpine council candidate information session held at the shire offices in Bright.
These nights are usually a good guide to who is running and who is not, but if last night is anything to go by then we might be looking at quite a small field of candidates for next month’s election.
Apart from six of the current council, the others in attendance were:
Bright shopkeeper and Save Bright member Narda Cain, Harrietville’s Kitty Knapstein, Myrtleford Chamber of Commerce President Geoff Scott, Bright engineer Graeme Cocks, ‘Snowshow’ producer Mark Stevens, who is formerly of Dinner Plain but now resides in Bright and, of course, Myrtleford’s Ray Dyer, minus the Ned Kelly helmet (unfortunately Ray’s ”Gordan the Goat” was a no show).
Nominations opened today at 9 am and it’s always possible that more candidates will emerge, so I’ll keep you posted as they nominate. Meanwhile, it’s pleasing to note that this time the counting of ballots will be conducted away from Bright (in Wangaratta) and will not involve anyone connected to the council. This hasn’t been the case in the past and has been a cause for concern among some candidates, notably in 2005.
UPDATE: I went down to the shire offices tonight around 6.30pm to check on the nominations received. In past elections they’ve been pasted on the foyer window – daily. But there was nothing there. Which means that either they’re not doing that this time or … no one nominated today! I’ll call the Electoral Officer about that tomorrow (Friday).
Wally says: I'm taking y'all to VCAT, Woolies. Go on, git! Git out of 'my town'.
Contact: alpineopinion@gmail.com
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Wow, if that’s indicative of the level of interest, you may not even end up with an election. Still sure you wont nominate Ray?
Dunno Kieran, it might be a ‘walkover’, as you suggest.
For what’s it’s worth, would like to see one candidate who actually wishes to and announces he/she is interested in what the young people in this town think, do, want. What is the future for candidates in an election? How disillusioned are our young people in politics anyway? Methinks this will be even more entrenched in future. Which candidate intends to engage the youth? Time young people saw the good in being active citizens and taking pride in communities. Good role models required. Rant over.
Sorry, meant our Shire. I’ll get my hat
Maybe I should stand and propose that Dinner Plain rates be invested in a community development fund, instead of being committed solely to the village.
There’s an idea.
Brendon Grylls (WA Nationals leader) took something similar to the recent state election in Western Australia called “royalties for regions” and won the balance of power.
Ideas don’t win votes in Alpine Shire though. It’s who you know and which pubs you drink at.
Ideas don’t win votes in Alpine Shire though. It’s who you know and which pubs you drink at.
G’day Michael. You’re right, nothing has changed. Oh, except they’re doing the count ‘out of town’ this time – which is a good idea. Cheers.
I went down to the shire offices tonight around 6.30pm to check on the nominations received. In past elections they’ve been pasted on the foyer window – daily. But there was nothing there. Which means that either they’re not doing that this time or … no one nominated today! I’ll call the Electoral Officer about that tomorrow (Friday).
(Comment transferred from a different thread):
It is obvious Zuvele was commenting under an alias previously though, and i think using the Coles Developers name as an alias is highly inappropriate. Particularly when discussing the Coles proposal itself.
Still like to hear the explanation for this.
Well, it’s ‘water under the bridge’, Lee, in my opinion. Are YOU running for council? And what about other Save Brighters? We know about Narda.
So you condone a Councilor commenting on a development while using the developers name as an alias?
I think the votes would be few and far between if people knew this.
No Lee, I don’t stop anyone using an alias here and – to tell you the truth – I never realised that that name you’re referring to might be the same name as one of the Coles developers. And I doubt anyone, except you and a few SaveBrighters, would have either.
Zuvele would have been well aware of it though, and that’s the point do you think its appropriate?
I’m not going to confirm or deny the real identity of people using aliases here, now or in the past – even if I know the real identity, which in most cases I don’t. Sorry, but them’s the unwritten blogging rules.
Now, are you (or any other Save Bright people) running for council?
You might as well say so because come Tuesday we’ll all know. Don’t worry, I’m not going to broadside candidates. I’ll question them but, hey, anyone’s entitled to do that.
You don’t have to confirm or deny anything, Councilor Leschen has outed herself through a simple lack of computer knowledge. The evidence is right here in full colour!
The hypothetical question for you remains, is it appropriate for a Councilor to do this?
In answer to your other question, i’m not at all worried about a broadside.
Hmm, that sounds like a “yes” on the election question then, Lee? Why so coy?
As for the “hypothetical question” you pose, well, if a councillor commented here under an alias about a certain planning application in a manner that was consistent with what he or she was also saying publicly as a councillor, then I don’t see any conflict, controversy or problem with that. I don’t see how it would affect the outcome.
…and using the developers name as an alias?
I’m not going there, Lee. That’s YOUR take on what could be mere coincidence. And again, I doubt that would affect anything.
Fair enough. Maybe Zuvele can explain?
I would think it would affect peoples confidence in Council. It’s not a good look.
In your eyes perhaps, Lee. But to me, IF it’s the case that Cr Leschen (or any other councillor or person) has previously posted comment here under the developer’s surname – and knew it – then the worst you could say about it is … it’s a bit cheeky!
It could also be seen as trying to influence the debate (which lets face it, is what aliases are all about).
For crying out loud, you blokes go to bed.
But Baldrick, it’d only be about 4.30 in the afternoon over there in ‘the father land’ wouldn’t it?
Lee, the councillors made their decision NOT based on public opinion but on planning grounds, so in a sense the public debate was really irrelevant.
Well I must say this all seems a bit disconcerting if you ask me…..
…if Lee is correct and Cr Leschen has been commenting in support of the coles development as an alias – well to me that’s just plain unethical
i see you dont have a problem with that Ray but I dont agree with you, if its true, its a bit more than just “cheeky”
in a nut shell it’s an attempt to influence public opinion — should a councillor be doing this? I think you’ll find most people will answer with a resounding NO to that one!
It’s all speculation Sue. An assertion that starts with the word “if” is just that … an assertion.
In any case, as I said in my previous comment, the Coles decision was made on planning grounds, not on public opinion, so it’s a moot point.
So “if” it can be shown that it was Zuvele making those comments – what then?
its not a moot point at all if you’re a voter in the alpine shire
i actually happen to know quite a few people who would take strong exception at such behaviour by a councillor
especially considering the community feeling surrounding the coles issue
It can’t be shown Sue and I really think that’s enough innuendo about Cr Leschen. I’m not trying to defend anyone but the fact is you are only speculating. You could also say “if” it could be shown that Cr Pearce misused and over-devalued the mayoral car costing the ratepayers a lot of money ….. but again, you’d only be speculating.
hmmm….you are trying to change the topic I see
what makes Lee so sure it was Zuvele making the comments anyway? He should be able to back up such important accusations with some kind of evidence or proof
if Lee can show a link of some kind, then it’s not innuendo anymore. Is it?
i imagine the media would be quite interested if such revelations became apparent
I’m not changing the topic, I’m just putting it into perspective. It’s just too easy for other (potential) council candidates – which Lee seems to be – to make allegations like that. As to whether the media would be interested, I doubt it, but you’d have to ask them.
However, I agree that Lee should put up or shut up about it. And, as I said before, I think that’s enough speculation.
i think I will ask the media, because if this is true the public needs to know about this before voting
but first Lee needs to come clean about how he is so certain that cr Leschen was commenting under the name of the developer
maybe cr Leschen would also like to add something here? she normally comments rather quickly when matters pertaining to her interests arise, does she not?
Sue, I’m asking you nicely to cease the speculation about this. You’ve already made your point and by continuing to comment on it you seem to be just trying to keep the innuendo ‘alive’.
Until, and unless, Lee can back up his claims, please refrain from making references to unfounded allegations about other candidates for council.
Okay okay Ray, I understand your point and I’ll stop – for now
Now I’m just waiting on Lee to “come up with the goods”
and if he does – cr Leschen better have a good explanation!
It’s quite simple. A little picture is allocated to anyone commenting here (avatar) relevant to their IP address. Even if the name or email address is changed the picture stays the same if commenting from the same IP.
“Dawson” and “Zuvele’s” avatar is the same. All the evidence is here on this site. I’d be very interested to hear Zuvele’s explanation.
The avatars are generated based on email address, not computer IP, and they are not unique to each commenter. There are only a limited amount and it’s not uncommon for two commenters to be allocated the same automatically generated avatar ‘monster’.
I’ve checked and I can assure you that the two email addresses that were provided were different in the case(s) you refer to. To save confusion though I might just turn that feature off.
And if that’s all you have Lee, then I’m also asking you (nicely) to cease the speculation and unfounded allegations concerning Cr Leschen. It’s a storm in a teacup anyway, in my opinion.
Oh right – I didn’t realise that. Thanks Lee – I must admit I thought you were drawing a long bow there…
now I’d say that’s a pretty strong link. Good enough for me anyway.
People need to know about this, but first maybe give cr Leschen a chance to explain herself.
i know people have got into a lot of trouble in local politics this past year for behaving in such a way. It shouldn’t be any different at the little ol’ Alpine Shire, should it?
Not correct. The Avatars are based on IPs. There is not one avatar the same on this site. there are hundreds of them.
Funny that you’ve turned them off now so no-one can check Ray. Why not let Zuvele answer herself?
I must admit that it seems a bit strange for you to turn these avatars off to “save confusion” Ray
To an outsider, it looks as though you are covering someones tracks
Lee has a good point – and I did a quick check before you turned these off. The only two “avatars” that were the same of the many, many that I checked were those relating to “Dawson” and “Zuvele”.
something rotten in Denmark here
From my ’settings’ page: Default avatar: For users without a custom avatar of their own, you can either display a generic logo or a generated one based on their e-mail address.
So that will do please, Lee.
Btw, it’s not “funny” that I switched to the generic avatar following your allegation, it’s to end the unwarranted speculation. Cr Leschen has nothing to answer about this, not here anyway. End of discussion.
Hmmm…it still seems strange that the only two avatars that matched belonged to zuvele and dawson
how about asking cr Leschen if she has ever commented under an alias?
you seem to be doing most of the talking for her Mr Dixon
Only you know whether the same email address has been used Ray.
I repeat (for the last time):
I do not and will not confirm or deny the identity of people who comment here under an alias.
Last warning Lee & Sue, you’re just beating something up … and you’re hijacking this thread.
I don’t want to put ANYONE on moderation control (especially council candidates) but you’re leaving me no option here.
well, I’m not satisfied with this explanation and I’ll be looking into it a lot more
things definitely do not add up
I’m not asking you to Ray.
My question was to Zuvele.
If the avatars are based on email addresses then why are Zuvele’s and “dawsons” avatars the same when there is not one other the same on this whole site?
Lee, you could not possibly have checked all the avatars here because most previous posts were archived some time ago and are not accessible to you. Stop NOW, please.
“There are only a limited amount and it’s not uncommon for two commenters to be allocated the same automatically generated avatar ‘monster’. ”
Actually Ray, that statement by you is not true. I did check (though by the sounds of it, not as thoroughly as Lee) a lot of previous ‘avatars’ before you turned them off and did not find any others the same except for “Dawson” and Zuvele.
So actually, it IS VERY UNCOMMON for two commenters to be allocated the same avatar.
This definitely requires further investigation, because the implications are potentially huge.
I have all your previous posts archived Ray for obvious reasons, so yes i have checked and do know.
It’s NOT a big deal in my opinion, Sue.
Lee, you’re just nipicking again.
Please read the latest post – if there’s one more comment on this matter I will be acting.
I’m sorry Ray but I can’t understand why you are brushing this aside
it IS a big deal for a councillor to be making comments on behalf of a developer, and there’s nothing libellous about what has been said here so far by Lee or myself – I’ve checked with a solicitor already actually
its all ‘fair comment’ based on the facts apparent, and whats more it all appears very clear-cut to me
So go ahead and censor comments if you wish, but this will just make it look as though you are covering something.
Cr Leschen has some explaining to do and I’ll be making sure the media get hold of this information, if they havent already
I’ll leave that comment there Sue, but unfortunately you are now on moderation control. And no, I’m not “covering” anything, I’m just trying to run a fair blog.
Whether the alleged matter is a “big deal” or not is a subjective opinion. In my opinion the comments made were of little to no consequence anyway, and it’s also unlikely that the name “dawson” would have deceived anyone into believing the person was “speaking for the developer”.
It’s just a beat up by you & Lee, and your inferences ARE inappropriate because (a) they cannot be substantiated and (b) they are repetitive and are hijacking this website.
okay “moderation control” if you like, whatever that is.
If you wish to turn a blind eye, fine, but the fact is this is totally inappropriate by any measure.
i hope Lee and the Save Bright group are getting together a statement of some kind – they should, they have been shafted by a councillor – the community have as a matter of fact
And Ray, the inferences can be substantiated, especially since it sounds as though Lee has been saving the relevant posts.
Response: Moderation control means your comments will not appear automatically and will be held for any editing or deleting of inappropriate comment. This one scrapes through. Btw, I’m not “turning a blind eye”, I’m saying that in my opinion the allegations are inconsequential. They’re also unable to be substantiated, regardless of how much content from this website Lee has saved to his hard disk. He can waste his computer memory if he likes, it doesn’t bother me. - RD
I have no idea who Sue Q is so it’s not a beat up.
I was just commenting on Cr Leschens idea of “appropriate comment” that she herself brought up.
The evidence is obvious and i’d be happy to dig up some comments made by “Dawson” during the whole debate that indicate her knowledge of the developers name and more if you like.
It’s ironic that you are asking for accountability of Council on the one hand (relating to the visitor centre for instance), and yet are happy to condone this type of behaviour on your own site.
Lee, your allegations concerning Cr Leschen are inappropriate because you cannot substantiate them.
And “Dawson’s” comments (even if made by a councillor) were not inappropriate and did not in any way influence the outcome of the Coles planning application. It went to VCAT and I very much doubt they were influenced by anything said here.
So, you either want to be put on moderation control or you don’t. Your choice Lee.
EDITED COMMENT:
We’ll see what comes of this, but I think you’ll find most of the public expect a lot more from their councillors than you seem to.
Yes, see what comes of it but I think you’ll find that no one asks more of our council than what I have. Just ask them – they’re fed up with me!
It’s a yes or no question for Cr Leschen who can surely speak for herself.
I don’t think it’s appropriate, you obviously do. No real surprises to be had there!
Your explanations are increasingly flimsy, you’ve removed all the avatars (so no one else can check), and now (again) you’re moderating instead of investigating.
It’s not my job to “investigate” your trivial claims Lee. And Cr Leschen is under no obligation to answer your unsubstantiated, over-stated and inconsequential allegations. And you’re on moderation. Silly boy.
To me this seems a very serious matter
Lee is 100% correct –a reponse from the elected official is reguired
Well AC, if she wants to make one she will, I guess. Pretty odd situation though – Lee makes a clearly unsubstantiated (and over-stated) allegation based on nothing more than the avatars appearing on this website, and then expects the councillor to answer it! I wouldn’t bother if I were her.
My phone number is 57542279 if anyone wants to ask me any questions. My email address is zuvelel@yahoo.com.
I’m sorry I’ve caused so much of a furore here. I’ve been working all day (some people do) and have only just logged on.
Yes, Lee, you’re right, I did use the name ‘dawson’. However – and I say this knowing full well that noone who doesn’t want to will believe me – I actually didn’t realise it was the name of the developer until well into the debate. The name came from the Federal electorate but was fairly randomly chosen, and I had previously used it on other sites (I think, but can’t be sure, well before the whole Coles issue came up).
Prepared to swear this on a stack of bibles or other large tomes if necessary. Really can’t see that it matters if I called myself ‘dawson’ or ‘fred’ or whatever.
Would politely remind posters that, during an election campaign, full names and addresses should accompany comments which are connected to the election.
Zuvele Leschen 280 McLees Rd Buffalo River
Thanks Zuvele, that’s very open of you, and I agree, the comments were inconsequential and no, I didn’t see the “dawson” name as related to Coles either.
As for electoral comment, that doesn’t come into effect until nominations close and even then, I think that it needs clarification – which I’ll get from the VEC before Tuesday.
UPDATE:
As Cr Leschen has now confirmed that she has also posted here under the alias “dawson”, I’ve removed the moderation controls on Lee Rosser & Sue Q.
That doesn’t mean I agree with them or in any way condone what they did. In future I ask Lee & Sue (and everyone else) not to be so belligerent in their posting of comments. Make your point, argue a bit for sure, but please, don’t just go on and on and on ………… like they did.
Btw, I think Cr Leschen’s reply puts this matter to bed.