Childhood of politics fits new role in council

8:00a.m. 23rd October 2006

By CANDICE HOLZNAGEL TEENAGER Christian Dickson looks set to follow in his fathers footsteps following the by-election for Maroochy Shire division 8.

If the 19-year-old is elected, as the numbers indicate is most likely, he will be the youngest person elected into local government in the shire and possibly across the Sunshine Coast.

With no further votes counted since Saturday night, Christian was yesterday holding 1524 first preference votes well clear of his nearest rival, Bev Hall, on 1154.

While both top contenders have done preference deals with other candidates, Christian looks in a far healthier position as his running mate, John Byrne, polled 643 votes while Ms Halls offsider Eve Landers had attracted only 298 votes.

Without coming out and claiming victory just yet, Christian said his job in the councils Information Archive Management department and a childhood filled with politics had prepared him for a role in local government.

Road infrastructure, water and Chancellor Parks lake issues would be first on his agenda, he said.

Steve (his father Steve Dickson) was a councillor there for six years and other councillors are offering their support and information to help me, he said.

The community meetings I attend gives you an idea, confidence and more information.

Ive experienced it through my dad ... been to issues with him, seen the issues and talked to people.

Ive been there with a politician.

He believes the father-son relationship would benefit the entire shire.

There was a bit of tension between council and the State MP of the time, now there is no conflict of interest between two people, looking to do the best we can.

A victory would come as no surprise to dad Steve and mum Debbie.

In his first interview with Maroochy Shire he told them he was going to take my job off me, Steve said.

My grandfather was a councillor for 31 years, my father was a councillor, I was and now he will be.

Between her husbands recent campaign for state politics and her sons tilt at local government, Mrs Dickson said she felt as though she had been in a nine month election campaign, eating and breathing politics in this house.

Christian and Steve are so passionate about the Sunshine Coast and theyll make their people proud, they really will because I know the determination behind them.

Mayor Joe Natoli yesterday said he believed there was a place for young people in local government and he would have a long, hard talk with Christian about how difficult the council position would be.

I just hope there isnt too much pressure exerted on him, taking his independence away, he said.

Ive already spoken to our CEO to make sure that the induction program is tailored for him. He has got a lot of learning to do in the next 12 months.