Clarification required
A huge thanks to the hard-working journalists at Bega District News and other regional papers for their efforts to inform us about the recent local government election. Unfortunately, the article “Council election result delayed” (BDN, 20/9) contained a crucial factual error that may mislead people and therefore needs correction.
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The claim that Tony Allen "headed the first preference vote at every polling booth on polling day, except for Tanja Public School" is wildly inaccurate. Cathy Griff led at Candelo, and Eden, Bridge Club (Tura), Merimbula, Pambula, Towamba and Wyndam booths all saw other candidates rank higher than Mr Allen.
While there is no doubting that Mr Allen polled strongly and is to be congratulated, it is difficult for the public to understand the outcome of the election and the vote for our new mayor, when they read such inaccuracies. Perhaps the BDN could publish the complete, booth by booth results, to clear up any false perceptions. Democracy depends on good information and we rely on our great local media to supply this.
Jo Dodds, Bega
Editor’s note: The BDN article states in the first line the polling discussed was for “booths in the shire’s north”. As for Candelo’s final result, Cathy Griff polled higher than Tony Allen, by four votes. The article was written using the most up to date information available at the time – which on September 19 had Mr Allen a handful of votes ahead – but it appears further analysis by the Electoral Commission amended this count. I trust that clears up any perception of “inaccuracies” in our report.
Humbling experience
The community of the Bega Valley Shire has been consulted and has chosen the nine people to make up the 2016/20 council.
May I sincerely and with heartfelt thanks acknowledge the wonderful support I was afforded on polling day.
To achieve a 1001-vote win was a very humbling experience. To record 2675 votes and out-poll the combined votes (2555) of two eliminated former mayors, Britten (907), Taylor (720) and deputy mayor Seckold (928) was an even more humbling experience.
The voting public of the shire have clearly and decisively rejected both the leadership and the direction of the 2012/16 council. Failing to listen to the message sent via the ballot box is always a fatal mistake.
Congratulations to Mayor Kristy McBain, new and returning councillors. I am looking forward to the next four years with renewed enthusiasm and will continue as I have always done to represent our shire-wide community to the best of my ability.
Tony Allen, Cobargo
Rising above differences
Readers will be aware of the recent articles about shooting wombats and the very opposite point of view of conservationists, wildlife carers and others to the point of view of many dairy farmers and others.
On Thursday, Roger Heffernan came to Potoroo Palace and he and I had a long, truthful, gentle talk in which we were both able to express our views. I have always had the deepest respect for Roger and his extended family. It is difficult to imagine more opposite points of view when it comes to land management. Roger and I have had a strong friendship for 40 years. During that time I have spoken to innumerable people about what a wonderful family they are, about their kindness and generosity of spirit. Roger is vice president of the FSC Birdwatchers. Roger, Nalda and their family are highly respected in so many areas of the community.
Sadly many humans continue to think that it is only our own species which matters. Along with many others, I will continue to speak on behalf of vulnerable creatures (who cannot speak for themselves) and our precious natural world, which is not replaceable. We are the guardian species.
