“I don’t believe in spending money that doesn’t need to be spent, and the (cityscape) should be more up to the public,” Julie Emmins said.

Spending and the city’s debt were a recurring theme.

“I think retiring the city’s debt is an essential pre-requisite to a just and equitable society,” Kieran Bennett said.

While Bob Slade said he didn’t believe the true extent of the city’s debt had been made publicly known, John de Kruiff defended the council saying, “Logic was the best thing for Wodonga with more than $500,000 in rates — just imagine it built up.”

David Brown, a firefighter, said the city’s $32 million debt was “the biggest issue facing Wodonga, and financial accountability is of tantamount importance to the advancement of our city.”

For Marilyn Edgar, the major issue she wants to see addressed is the transparency of council.

“There is a lack of respect, highlighted in the media, of councillors walking away from constituents asking questions.”

Angela Collins agreed, calling for a clean slate and an entirely new council.