AS A REGULAR watcher of livestreamed council meetings, I was concerned when in the Special Council Meeting of August 28 Councillor Mick McKeown objected to the budget, saying:
“In my opinion, this budget does not adequately address the concerns of the ratepayers of Toodyay.”
He provided no evidence to support his opinion.
As a ratepayer, elector and community member, I found this bald statement with no explanation, justification or suggestions as to how these putative concerns could be met disrespectful to the community, councillors and Shire staff.
Read more
From publicly available information, it is clear that there have been a number of ongoing budget discussions and councillor workshops over many months, providing multiple opportunities for councillors to raise concerns and propose solutions.
Thus I seek the following from Cr McKeown:
Clarity on what he means by ratepayer concerns, and evidence to support that opinion.
His feasible and financially auditable solution to all the legacy financial issues remaining from earlier councils (in order to minimise rate increases).
What proportion of the workshops and discussions did Cr McKeown participate in?
Did he raise his objection or suggest feasible solutions to the financial issues at any of the workshops?
If not, then why not?
Without some supporting information, Cr McKeown’s statement objecting to the budget would appear to be merely empty rhetoric for community consumption.
I very much look forward to seeing some answers from Cr McKeown.
Jo Hart
Morangup
