Pittwater Life April 2017 Issue

News
Pittwater Forever to
vet council candidates
on ‘suitability’ to run
Community group
Pittwater Forever
say a questionnaire
they have prepared for
people nominating for
Pittwater and Narrabeen
ward councillor roles in the
Northern Beaches Council
elections in September will
provide transparency to the
community on the intent of
candidates.
The group, which
represents the 18 residents
associations in the former
Pittwater area, says it will
ask all nominees to respond
to eight key criteria, to
determine their “suitability to
represent Pittwater”.
They will make all
responses known before the
election – as well as noting
any non-respondents.
Criteria candidates are
asked to confirm or otherwise
include that they intend to
“support and vote in Council
along the lines of PFE and the
Pittwater Community and are
truly independent”.
Candidates will also be
asked if they “support the
eventual restoration of
Pittwater Council on its preamalgamation
boundaries”.
Chairman Craig Boaden
told Pittwater Life that
candidates’ responses will
be made public before the
election, and Pittwater Forever
may provide candidates who
respond “appropriately” to the
questions with in-kind (noncash)
assistance that could
include volunteers for letter
box drops.
“The aim is to facilitate
the ability for Pittwater
residents to understand what
the candidates stand for,”
Mr Boaden said. “If people
don’t want to answer, that’s
okay; we’ll simply report who
responds and their answers,
and who doesn’t. We won’t
talk to it ,or go through the
rights and wrongs. He denied
the process would see the
group run their own ticket.
“We’re not officially
endorsing people… put it
this way, we won’t be having
a ticket of Pittwater Forever
candidates,” he said.
“Pittwater Forever has
developed a strong reputation
fighting forced council
amalgamations, and our nonpolitical
stance and reputation
is highly regarded.
“We understand that for
many people in Pittwater,
the only way to express
Jonah’s competition winner
opposition is democratically,
via election to council.”
Mr Boaden said PFE
would attempt to submit
questionnaires to every
council nominee.
“We want to be as fair and
equitable to all candidates,” he
said. “It’s up to them to reply.
“Pittwater Forever is very
clear about its position – we
oppose amalgamation. We
have decided to carry on, not
pack up the tent and leave.
“We understand the
possible conflict (of requiring
councillor candidates to
continue to campaign for
returning Pittwater to its
former boundaries) but
the only way we can get
democratic representation is
nominating to council.”
Mr Boaden said PFE would
hold public sessions prior to
the election so all candidates
could address residents. He
urged potential candidates to
make contact with their local
community association.
For more info on the
PFE questionnaire visit
pittwaterforever.wordpress.
com; for more info about the
council nomination process
visit votensw.info/nsw_local_
council_elections_2017/
candidates_and_group
Congratulations to Roger Roger and his wife Jane
Davison of Warriewood, celebrated their 32nd
who won our Romantic wedding anniversary on
Escape competition
March 2 – “It’s a great way
(February issue) and the to further celebrate – many
prize of a luxury overnight thanks!” said Roger.
accommodation and dining Stay tuned for more great
package at Jonah’s Boutique competitions in coming
Hotel & Restaurant.
months!
– Nigel Wall
8 APRIL 2017
Celebrating 25 Years
PIC: Michael Mannington / Volunteer Photography