Candidates told 'rivalry must end' | Northern Rivers News | Local News in Northern Rivers

Mel McMillan | 4th March 2009

MEET THE CANDIDATES: (from left) Elizabeth Chapman, Douglas Behn, Allan Vidler, Michael Greentree (back), Ian Drinkwater and Sandra Duncan-Humphrys.

VOTERS in the Richmond Valley Council electorate have told candidates the rivalry between Evans Head and Casino must end.

The nominees were told at a 'meet the candidates' night at Casino RSM Club last Monday.

Audience member Brian James of Casino said he was distressed by the ill-feeling between the two towns.

Mr James said that whoever was elected must solve the problem.

Former councillor Sandra Duncan-Humphrys of Casino said if elected she would represent people from the whole region.

Mrs Duncan-Humphrys said she had copped a 'shellacking' at the last election, when she lost her seat after eight years on the council, but her experience as a councillor was one of her most valuable attributes.

Elizabeth Chapman of Bungawalbyn, who also failed to win a seat at last September's election, said, if elected, she wanted the council to take a greater role helping parents raise children by running programs that taught parenting strategies.

Mrs Chapman said she wanted to stop youths wandering the streets at night and wanted more cottage industries in the region..

Evans Head candidate Doug Behn said the council needed another representative from the Evans Head end of the shire. If elected, he would be looking into ethanol production as a new industry for the region and would also get new fencing at Evans Head Cemetery to keep the wallabies out.

Spring Grove candidate Allan Vidler said, if elected, he would stop Casino's sewerage system from smelling. Mr Vidler, who said he had built many sewerage systems, said modern technology could stop the problem. Mr Vidler also said council staff should be made to show more respect for ratepayers who paid their wages, he said.

Michael Greentree was also back for a second shot at getting a seat on the council after last year's failed attempt. Mr Greentree said, if elected, he would be developing the 'right plans' to achieve the 'best results' that were 'beneficial to the ratepayers.' He said he had an understanding of the issues which affected everyone from Evans Head to Rappville.

The final speaker was Ian Drinkwater who also failed to win a seat at the last election. He said it was 'essential' he be elected to the council because, as an accountant, he had the right skill sets. Mr Drinkwater said the council lost $3 million in the world financial crisis because the previous council did not understand its financial exposure. Apologies were received from candidates Barbara Jeffery and Roger Wood.

Mrs Jeffery had asked to have a letter read out at the meeting in her absence. Her request was initially refused by The Casino Ratepayers and Residents Association, who organised the night, but was later granted. However, according the Bob Hannah, who was the master of ceremonies, her letter failed to arrive.

A second 'meet the candidates' night will be held at Woodburn-Evans Head RSL Club on Wednesday, March 11 at 7pm

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