Sunshine Coast Election 2008

Please voters!

Have a close look at your candidates and find the ones that have good policy clearly defined; don’t go for the ones who have nothing more to say other than that they are honest, hardworking, and will look after you.

We should expect all of our councillors to be honest, hardworking and helpful but the ones who will really help us are the ones who have a clear, and clearly stated, vision for the future of the Sunshine Coast.

This will be our best ever chance to make the future that we want!

Editor, a link to maps of the divisions these candidates are running in would be a plus. Maybe I can offer it for those wanting to know the new boundaries - http://www.sunshinecoastltc.qld.gov.au/S...

It will now be interesting to see which candidates are aligned with others. From today's articles alone it would appear that Joe Natoli (Mayoral Candidate) Jeff Watson (Division 8 Candidate) and Anthony Beezley (Division 10 Candidate) may be connected. I wonder how many will admit connections?

I guess we can expect numerous conspiracy theories to be printed in these blogs and I'm sure some of them will be correct, but I'm just as sure most will be incorrect.

If I was connected with any other candidates Cooroy_Kid from Cooroy, I would have no problem in admitting it... and I would hope others would also, but I can understand your skepticism.

It's very difficult for a candidate to know what to say when a suggestion is made by a blogger that you know not to be accurate.

Do you ignore it and perhaps risk other readers getting a wrong impression?

Or do you say something and risk looking a little "touchy" on the subject?

All I can tell you Cooroy_Kid, is that I have a feeling most long-term bloggers here would hardly come to the conclusion that I'm connected to Joe Natoli.

But then, maybe they would... who knows?

It's hard to defend such accusations, but I would hope my past blogs have indicated that I'm an open and honest individual and on that basis you will believe me when I suggest you are mistaken this time.

Jeff Watson, Division 8.

Ahhhhhhhhh... thanks Kulangoor, now I see where the "connection" Cooroy_Kid referred to came from... that does help because it sure had me wondering.

Yup Kulangoor, Caroline happens to be friends with both Joe and myself and she is a very generous friend indeed... she's always been happy to help out any of her friends when asked, just as I'm sure both Joe and myself would help Caroline any time she asks for help or assistance... that's what friends are for!

I certainly don't have a problem with Joe's friendship with Caroline... Caroline can be a friend to whoever she wants to (lol... why do I suddenly feel I've returned to my kindergarten days?)

But to suggest that common friendship means Joe and myself are politically connected seems a long bow to draw.

In that case my invitation to Joe's campaign launch MUST have been lost in the mail, because (as can be seen from the times of my blogs) I wasn't invited to Joe's campaign launch, nor attended it.

The reality is that people mix socially with any number of other people.

Looking over the list of candidates for example, I've worked closely with, met at length with, or at least shaken hands and had a quick chat with, 23 of the 50 candidates. I'm also very well acquainted with another 7 of them, although I haven't yet had the pleasure of personally meeting with them yet.

I'm not "connected" politically with any of them, yet it's only natural I have personal preferences based on personalities, vision and policies.

But my primary role (if elected) is to work as a close team with whoever the electorate chooses... and that's exactly what I'll do!

I respect Joe... and one of the reasons for that respect is that I've worked closely with him in Council on a couple of working committees. On 2 occasions, he actually stood up in Council and moved a motion of recommendation for my work as a Council officer which I felt was a great kindness and I'll always be grateful to him for that.

However, I've also been one of very few Councillor candidates who has openly admitted, on a number of occasions in my blogs (I'll go find them if you want) and at public meetings (ask attendees at the "meet the Division 8 candidates" meeting last Saturday morning at Mudjimba), that Bob Abbot's visions are more aligned to my way of thinking and that his proven track record in supporting community-based Council has convinced me to give him my support as preferred Mayor.

But the decision is not ultimately up to me as I'm only 1 of 196,980 people on the electoral roll.

The decision is ultimately yours, not mine... and if you choose Joe as Mayor, I know both Joe and I are adult enough and respectful enough of each other's abilities to work closely together for the benefit of all Sunshine Coast residents.

That's what sensible adults do!

Jeff Watson, Division 8.

Beware Division 2 voters. Look beyond the first 2 or 3 lines that your candidates present (especially those who have not represented you before). Not all are as glossy and shiny as they will have you believe so ask around to see if anyone you know has previous associations with these people and find out the true character of them before you vote.

My experiences with one of them was savage to say the least. Definitely NOT the calibre of person we should want in the formative stages of the Super Council as they will ONLY do what will provide them with the best result for themself ! Power can be an alluring incentive for some.

That's my point, Rod. Ask around to find people who know the candidates - get a true picture of their callibre (much more so than them citing a previous occupation etc)

Dear Kulangoor from Kulangoor - just want to set the record straight on my MCing duties!! As a recent (failed) candidate I know how hard it is to put a campaign together with little or no money and am happy to help anyone I can.

As it turns out, Joe and Jeff are the only candidates who have asked me to MC - anyone else is absolutely welcome to give me a call - I promise I'll do whatever I can.

(Despite all) I love democracy. I am hoping and praying for a fresh council with an environmental focus and for an electorate with the brains to acheive that....but you never can tell!

Bob,

Jeff Watson is my next door neighbour, so I know him pretty well and it would be very hard not to like him. He also happens to be an experienced council officer who believes in upholding the town plan.

I don't think for a second that I manipulate anyone's vote, I just want the town plan adhered to, and nothing will stop me expressing that.

I live at Twin Waters and I love the north shore just the way it is. Our village lifestyle is very much under threat at the moment.

Warana is a beautiful part of the world too- if you think your village/residential life is worth preserving then I would be very careful about where I sent my vote on March 15. I hope you have a candidate as honest and upfront as Jeff Watson to choose from.

Just for the record, on the night I was a permanent passenger in Jeff's cab, we had a total captive audience of exactly six....you're right, of the three that could remember me, I'm pretty sure they all sent a vote my way!!!

Hi,

I've worked with and know a few of the candidates here and I'm urging people to have a read of my blog ( www.jo-bloggs.blogspot.com) to question their local guys about future issues like peak oil, climate change, energy transition etc...this is the stuff that is going to to completely change the playing field of their decision-making. Many of the old rules won't apply (in my opinion) and we need lateral thinkers who are doing their homework on these issues now...so quick reactive policy isn't happening when it hits the fan later. Anyway, my two cents worth - it's a big job and I commend all the candidates for putting their hand up.

Thankyou JeffWatson.

Nothing like some facts to get in the way of a good (damaging) gossip.

"Bob Bates - what is your problem with Jeff - I have notice you having a go at him on a few occasions, although I also remember you also having a go at the Irwin family awhile back too. Perhaps your judgement isn't very good."

You need to read, and remember, more accurately.

As for ' my problem' with Jeff................I have none, except that he promotes himself as something he is not, as I have explained elsewhere.

I suspect the facts are..............

1. He leases a Licence, and is obliged to pay the Licence owner a weekly lease payment.

2. Under that lease, he runs a Cab which he says he owns outright.

3. It seems he drives night shifts.....suggesting that he has other bailee drivers doing day and week-end shifts......none of whom, if my information is correct, does he employ.

You guys seem very defensive. Maybe, I should burrow deeper.

Yeah, Bob, that's a fair dinkum scandal. You go you good thing. That is such a critical issue and so much of the Coast's future hinges on the results of your ... garbage.

Who really cares if Jeff owns the cab, owns the licence, drives nights, has day drivers, casuals, does three hour private rentals ... ?

As long as he doesn't waste his time delving into other people's private affairs to publicise anything juicy he may find, I think he's doing pretty well in the public opinion stakes.

Jeff, ignore this rot in much the same way Christian Dickson ignored the terror of Tom :)

"You guys seem very defensive. Maybe, I should burrow deeper."

Go for it Bob. Whilst I've enjoyed and agreed with many of Jeff's posts, employment is a fundamental that cannot be treated dismissively hiding behind legalese.

As a councillor, he will be responsible for many ratepayer funded employees who we as rate payers expect a service from.

Employees who are left feeling cheated via some contractual fleecing will not be delivering the level of service we're paying for.

It would be good to read Jeff's views on employment relations. Happy employees are more effective than disgruntled employees.

You are playing with words Bob_Bates.

I spent a lot of time and effort answering your question if full and complete detail under another story, only to have you then post that you already knew the answer.

Why then, did you ask the question?

I respond to questions people ask of me because I take people at face value (obviously very naive of me, I guess).

Yet, even though that question was answered in detail, you chose to come to a different story from the one I answered you in full, and say things like: "I suspect the facts are......."

You don't have to "suspect" anything Bob_Bates, because before you made that post, I had already posted all the facts in my blog to you at that other location.

It seems to me you are deliberately trying to deceive readers into thinking I'm trying to hide something by using the word "suspect", when in fact, I had already posted "the facts" for all to read elsewhere.


When I first started driving a taxi for an investor owner whose Taxi was managed by Suncoast Cabs Management Services, I considered myself gainfully employed, albeit under the conditions of a Taxi Bailment Agreement.

I think most drivers who drive taxis consider themselves gainfully employed, whatever form of contract that employment takes.

I don't know how many ways I can express that Bob_Bates, but it seems to me you prefer to play with words rather than accept the facts.


I have responded to your posts in full, setting out the facts, yet you choose to make the comment: "You guys seem very defensive. Maybe, I should burrow deeper."

It seems I am in a "no win" situation here, as I'm sure if I didn't respond, your comment would have been along the lines of: "Jeff didn't respond, therefore he MUST have something to hide. Maybe, I should burrow deeper."

Well then Mr Bob_Bates, looks like you will now be able to go and make blogs under other stories where you can be sure readers haven't seen my responses to you and accuse me of all sorts of things (if the editor here allows it) and use that ""Jeff didn't respond, therefore he must have something to hide" line, because this is the last time I will respond to you.

And thanks to all those readers who saw through what Bob_Bates is attempting to do and responded with words of support... I appreciated that!

Jeff Watson.
Candidate for Division 8
"power to the people"

Jeff, thanks for the considered response. The council will need people with your experience and vision, best wishes in Division 8 on March 15.

I hope this Bob_ something or other doesn't run for council. He sounds just like another one we don't need, Tom_ something or other.

Jeff, be a good bloke and ignore the bullies. You will never convince them, stop rising to the bait mate.

You stand or fall on your ability to listen to the majority of the people (not only your own constituents) and put those arguments to council in a succinct and well researched manner. Going off at the mouth is only lowering yourself to the level of the old Maroochy council.

Sole 1 - I understand and respect your point of view but I see it in a different way.

The majority of people in Noosa did not want amalgamation. As their leader Bob Abbot did his job and did all he could to support the wishes of his residents.
Whether or not he personally agreed with amalgamation was beside the point. The fact that he listened to his residents and stood up for what they wanted (something that has been missing for Maroochy Shire Council for a very long time) makes me respect his claim that he will correctly represent the residents.

Of course he can only be a good leader if he has a good team behind him, as Joe discovered.

Remember a Mayor only has 1 vote when it comes to making decisions that effect our future and really is no more powerful then each individual councillor.

Hey CoastLover, i must agree, Joe has stayed consistent- at being inconsistent.

What I don't get is why some people are so hung up on the idea that Bob fought against amalgamation and now that amalgamation is inevitable he is running for Mayor as if it some crime or darstardly act.

It is very simple CoastLover , Noosa Shire has had a close alignment betwen the aspirations of the community and the planning and governance process. Amalgamation is potentially a threat to all that so it is logical to resist it. If and when amalgamation became inevitable, which it has, how do you think that community would have a say in its future if its leaders just spat the dummy and said they weren't going to play? What do you think Bob should do? Should he go on a hunger strike? Should he sit around and write letters to the Daily?

No...he has adopted a very sensible strategy and embarked on the next best option. Participate in the SCRC process and hopefuly have a say in the governance of that Council. Then he can not only ensure that the desired character of Noosa is safeguarded but he can also give some hope to the rest of the residents of the coast who have felt disempowered by their previous Councils.
I am from Maroochy Shire and I think Bob has so far done a very good job of getting across the issues affecting the whole coast.

I think your the Daily's link to previous stories for Tom Hullet would be better linked to either of these stories:

http://www.thedaily.com.au/news/2008/feb...

http://www.thedaily.com.au/news/2008/feb...

And then there's this wonderful summary by poster Wojtek:

"I think the reason that so much focus is on Hulett is not because he is probably the most reviled Councillor in Maroochy, not because he writes an avalanche of puce publicity for himself and not because the idea of him teaching you kids is scary but because he is so funny.

"He staggers about like a Shakespearean buffoon and keeps us entertained and I hope that he sees reason and gives up this council thing and goes on the road with a unicyclist and a bear."

Coalface, nice to see someone actually come out and say who they think should make up this council.
Agree with the majority of your choices,
Div 1 - yes
Div 2 - yeah bit of a hard one here. There are actually some very good candidates. My pick as the closest division
Div 3 - Kerryn will have to give up her SCEC ties but fair choice
Div 4 - Andrew is the stand out
Div 5 - Yes, but no more rodeos Jenny
Div 6 - if you don't want Debbie for her possible labour ties then the same could be said for Liberal backed Christian. His dad did say he would give him support and he is allowing his staff to help? Maybe some new blood in the form of one of the other 2 choices may be better.
Div 7 - Ken definately!!!!
Div 8 - yes Jeff.
Div 9 - No, Viven left once mid term and maybe her personal beliefs get in the way of sensible governance. Sorry, can't back a quitter. Between Bruce and Ross
Div 10, 11 & 12 - yes.

Mayor - I will keep my opinion to myself on this one as I call both of them friends.

Good luck to all.

Hi guys,

I've just finished making a list and then read yours, gotta say I'm in agreeance (mostly)

1. Anna (seems like a thinker)
2. Greg (dscribed as a quiet achiever)
3. Kerryn
4.Don't know any of them
5. Jenny(only on what Ive read)
6. anyone except Tom
7. As for 4
8 Jeff Watson (like how he handled himself against Tom in blog-off - showed integrity)
9. Viv (No-she's not a quitter - I've worked alongside her for years and even though we didn't see eye to eye always, she's got a steel trap mind and the intellectual nouse to tackle some of the big issues - she battled for a long time before deciding to leave N'C
10. Anthony or Paul I'd say
11. Hard to say - know and like em all - Russell probably has more eco-experience, Frank is an ex-journo and genuinely seeks to understand issues, not just give them a tick and flick, and Bob is an all-round Aussie good bloke. Maybe Russell by a nose??
12. Same again for most of these guys -between Lew and Ian, although I've worked with Lew and the man's a dynamo at sniffing out cutting-edge economic opportunities (and good, knowledge-based stuff - not just development driven!)

Anyway, my two bobs worth ...oh and another bob for Mayor.

Interested to see that people are finding it difficult to call Division 2. This may help! Michael Costigan has organised a series of open forums - two were held yesterday at the civic centre. He has invited all Division 2 cadidates (of which I am one) and residents of Division 2 to attend and participate. The next two will be held on Monday from 10am to 12 noon and from 6pm to 8pm at the Power Boat Club. Each candidate has the opportunity to speak and all residents have the opportunity to get the answers to their questions. There are another 7 Open Forums scheduled and sponsored by Michael.

- Thanks for the info Maureen - Editor

There is a simple measure by which voters may consider their preferred candidates for the coming council election.

Ask yourself this..."Is the coast better off than it was four years ago?"

If the answer is yes then vote for sitting councillors. By design or default, it was they who brought us to where we are today

If the answer is no then do not vote for sitting councillors. And do not accept platitudes and presentation from new candidates. Demand substance.

Ron Campbell
Candidate for Division 5

I suggest that all voters in the coming Sunshine Coast Regional Council go to the following site.

http://www.ecq.qld.gov.au/elections/loca...

There a