VICTORIAN MP Tim Quilty is endorsing general practitioner Julian Fidge returning to Wangaratta Council.
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The Liberal Democrat Upper House member believes Dr Fidge warrants another go, after having been part of the council that was sacked by the state government in 2013 because of dysfunction.
"I've been following Julian for a long time," Mr Quilty said.
"I've always found him very impressive.
"He says what he thinks and what he believes in and he joined our party earlier this year and I'm keen to have him on council."
Dr Fidge said he was "very flattered" by the endorsement, although he noted he would act as an independent if elected.
"It is a strong validation of my commitment to reduce council rates and stop wasteful spending," he said.
Meanwhile, Mr Quilty, who was on Wodonga Council in 2016 before entering parliament, said he personally endorsed the return of Ron Mildren and Libby Hall to that council.
He said Cr Mildren had a "big grasp on issues and what's legal and illegal" and Cr Hall was "very determined and dogged to get results".
IN OTHER NEWS:
Two Wodonga council hopefuls see tourism as vital.
Retired policeman Rick Del Monte and bushfire recovery organiser Andrew Lees see attracting visitors as crucial in rebounding from COVID.
In its current term, the council closed Wodonga's visitor information centre due to high costs and a belief travellers were more interested in online interaction.
Mr Del Monte said he would support a return of a tourist centre, while Mr Lees also expressed interest pending economic details.
Another first-time candidate Willem Manley said he was motivated to stand because of "a lack of communication and transparency" from the council.
"They hide what they do, it feels like they don't care about the ratepayers," Mr Manley said.
He cited consultation about the removal of trees in Felltimber Creek Road and car parking in Huon Street, east of High Street, as two examples of feedback failures.
Nominations for council polls close at midday on Tuesday.