HAIL to those candidates who have had the courage to 'put their hand up' for the coming council elections.
If elected, to succeed they will need to achieve a working 'balance' between the often contradictory considerations associated with local governance:
1: conservation vs development processes;
2: strategic (big picture) vs local planning;
3: mega projects vs housekeeping maintenance;
4: widespread community consultation vs private vision/s
5: accepting staff recommendations vs private research/conclusions;
6: local/ward issues vs city-wide issues;
7: detailed budget vigilance vs allowing creative new ideas;
8: acting as a team vs pursuing individual priorities;
9: working positively with staff/consultants vs keeping the role of councillor appropriately separated;
10: maintaining harmonious relationships (with community/media) vs being prepared to 'wear' the criticism associated with the role.
Meeting all of the above it would seem requires more juggling than a circus performer with adept footwork and not dropping any of those 'civic balls' to the ground.
Nevertheless, nine of you will get to give it a go. May all strength go to your collective arm as your guide the 'good ship Ballarat' for the next four years.
EUGENE KNEEBONE
Lake Wendouree