The seven councillor system had worked well up until this point.

Formerly, the Wangaratta Council’s performance was rated among the best performing councils in Victoria.

This was complemented by Wangaratta and district enjoying lower council rates than most other local government areas!

The former ward system was virtually abandoned across the whole state of Victoria for numerous reasons including a need to improve fairness, efficiency and performance of all councils.

Good democracy is one person’s voting power equals one vote only, for everyone.

Giving minority groups greater voting power over other citizens is wrong and that is a risk of ward systems.

A ward system may also provide attempt to change the rating system at the expense of larger community groups such as the urban dwellers, upsetting community harmony.

We need councillors who are dedicated to public service, fairness and equity.

We want people who will listen to community issues and act in a co-operative manner with other councillors, the corporate management team and council staff to bring about the best possible outcomes for the Rural City of Wangaratta and all its citizens.

Wangaratta deserves the best so let’s elect the right people for the right reasons, otherwise any proposal will fail and our community will end up being damaged all over again.

— ALAN J. LAPPIN,

Boorhaman North