NOT sure who to vote for in the Knox council elections? We put the tough questions to all candidates to help you make up your mind - read on for their answers. All candidates have been sent the same questionnaire. We will post their answers as we receive them - check back here regularly for updates.
SCOTT WARD
Includes: Wantirna South
Incumbent: David Cooper (since 2004 by-election)
Number of registered voters: 13,103
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At the 2008 election:
Registered voters: 13,103
Voter turnout: 9960 (76.01 per cent of the total enrolment)
Formal votes: 9390
Informal votes: 570
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PETER COLE
Suburb of residence: Ferntree Gully
Occupation: Export consultant
Ward nominated for: Scott
How long have you lived in Knox? All my Life
Have you run for council/ been a councillor before, or any other level of government? If so, please list details (where, when, length of time, etc). Councillor 4 years
Are you/have you been a member of a political party? If yes, which party? If no, with which party do you most identify? No - I’m independent. No leanings. Good working relationship with all MPs, Liberal, Labor & Greens.
Are you or have you ever been a member of a political interest or lobby group? Long standing member of Rotary, President of Tormore Rd Lights Action Group
If you are elected, will you commit to remaining a councillor for the whole term? Yes absolutely.
What is your campaign budget? Who is funding your campaign? Who has paid for your nomination fee?
Low budget. Myself. I have
Who will you direct your preferences to? Any other progressive minded candidate
Describe your involvement in the local community.
- Mental Health Forums (Headspace)
- Disability & Aged Care
- Major Safety Upgrades to Dangerous Intersections
- Lift (access) at Knox Leisure Works
- Homelessness (City Mission)
- Youth Groups
- Protecting Green Wedges, Woodlands and Bush
- Many Charity Fundraisers
- Creek Cleans in Knox
- Planting trees - Rowville
- Clean up Australia Day
What do you think being a councillor involves?
- Wholeheartedly Listening, and Actioning residents point of view
- I have NO vested business or political interests.
What do you think are the most important issues for your ward?
- For starters I’d never rudely insult over 65’s by telling them to go and get a job
- Good fiscal management/controlled spending for our times and Knox Council’s debt.
- Seeking out more investment in Knox for local employment
- High Street Road duplication and footpaths
- Low floor accessible Tram to Knox
- Safety improvements by installing Traffic lights at Tyner and Walker Roads
- Returning the Mobility Plan/footpath repair to Agenda
- Pensioners tell me they are hurting and angry. With our Ageing population Inclusion and Safe access for our seniors and disabled is paramount
- Jostling governments to increase pensions and concessions - keeping rates low
- Improving opportunities for youth, preserving our reserves and open space areas, stop Graffiti
- Shopping strip on High St, plans to create 6000m2 of commercial space on the Orchard Site could send shop owners broke
- Financial consideration of other Knox community projects and needs before going ahead with $35 million for Stage 2 of the Eastern Regional Precinct
There has been much debate about development in Knox recently, particularly in Boronia and green wedge zones. What are your thoughts on the future of planning in these areas? Are there any other areas’ future development needs to be addressed? Why? ALL Councillors must work together (not against each other) in Bipartisan support for all Knox residents needs and wishes, not just their own Ward. Public information and feedback on projects from the start. Development kept to appropriate places with infrastructure to match from the start.
What would you suggest the council could to do continue to advocate for better public transport in Knox (ie. the Knox Tram and Rowville Rail)? Stop the talk fest and ACTION the low floor Tram NOW. Keep on the backs of governments for Rowville rail.
There has been strong debate recently about the extent of sport funding in Knox. Do you think sport deserves significant money or are there other groups or sectors in Knox who also deserve more funding? If so, who?
Sport deserves money however, I appreciate other sectors in Knox need a slice of the pie - recreation, exercise for seniors/disabled, community gardens, pre schools, arts, tennis, scouting to name a few.
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DAVID COOPER
Suburb of residence: Knoxfield
Occupation: Roofing consultant
How long have you lived in Knox? 33 years
Have you run for council/ been a councillor before, or any other level of government? If so, please list details (where, when, length of time, etc). Councillor eight years, mayor 2006 & 2009.
Are you/have you been a member of a political party? If yes, which party? If no, with which party do you most identify? No - independent. No leanings. Good working relationship with all MPs, Liberal and Labor.
Are you or have you ever been a member of a political interest or lobby group? Knox Action 2003-06 (co-founder), Knox Reform Coalition - 2005 elections.
If you are elected, will you commit to remaining a councillor for the whole term? Yes.
What is your campaign budget? Who is funding your campaign? Who has paid for your nomination fee? Modest. Me. Me.
Who will you direct your preferences to? Lawless.
Describe your involvement in the local community.
(Prior to council)
* Youth activities
* Homelessness
* Saving parkland
* Aged care activism
* Council reform activism
What do you think being a councillor involves? Consulting, listening, representing, vision and leadership, governing fairly and honestly.
What do you think are the most important issues for your ward?
High Street Road duplication and pathway
Traffic lights at Tyner and Walker Roads
Knox tram
What do you think are the most important issues facing Knox?
* Cost of living.
* Traffic congestion.
* Public transport.
* Inappropriate housing development.
* Parks, trees, recreation and environment.
There has been much debate about development in Knox recently, particularly in Boronia and green wedge zones. What are your thoughts on the future of planning in these areas? Are there any other areas’ future development needs to be addressed? Why?
* Protect our green wedges.
* Centralise apartments next to Knox City (away from suburban streets).
* Maintain heritage and bushland.
What would you suggest the council could to do continue to advocate for better public transport in Knox (ie. the Knox Tram and Rowville Rail)? Tram will happen. We just need to convince our state MPs.
There has been strong debate recently about the extent of sport funding in Knox. Do you think sport deserves significant money or are there other groups or sectors in Knox who also deserve more funding? If so, who? All groups deserve equal treatment - arts, aged facilities, libraries , kinders etc. Interestingly, our youth surveys showed sport as #1.
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Dwayne Lawless