New bottles, old wine?

This week’s Caulfield Leader announces that there are 26 candidates for the upcoming elections. Of these 26, seven are current councillors – the ‘old wine’ – willing to have another shot, and two others are former councillors, also wishing to re-enter the fray. What we as a community therefore have to decide is:

do we want more of the same?
do we want change?
if we want change, then what kind of change?


The past three years have witnessed numerous controversies and dissatisfaction regarding the workings of this clowncil. Various new lobby groups have been formed – i.e. Friends of Caulfield Park, the Booran road people, Glen Eira Community Associations – in conjunction with already existing groups – Dogs of Glen Eira, environmental group, and ratepayers’ association. We have also witnessed the fiascos of the aquatic centre, the pavilion debacle, and the continued farce of ‘community consultation’. For over a decade now, ratepayers have been given short shrift. But will any of the new candidates succeed in changing a culture that is so undemocratic and so arrogant? There is a chance to find out!

Come along to the forums being held on the 9th (Town Hall) and the 10th November (Elsternwick Club – 8pm) and ask your candidates some tough questions. See how they respond and then vote accordingly.