RCoW Election 2005: It's not too late to heal the rift.

Back in February, our current councillors abolished portfolios and have not yet got past their personal differences. That, in itself, is not a big problem as it makes for some spirited debate as evidenced at the July Council meeting.

However, since that decision was taken, three of the councillors have refused to play the game. They have refused to work on committees that are seen to be integral to the running of local government.

I publicly supported their protest at the time, as these were the very people bringing democratic debate into the running of the municipality. However, six months have past and we have yet another three months left until a new council is elected. We cannot get good governance when only half the councillors make the decisions. This is no way to run a council!

With the increased workload on the remaining councillors, there is no accountability for any of them. If things go pearshape, some might claim they have been excluded from the decision making whilst others might claim they are overworked with too many responsibilities. The fact is, without portfolios, tne council as a body has walked away from the portfolio responsibilities entrusted to them.

Three, maybe four of those still fighting have stated their intention to stand again. Electing a new council with the protagonists on either side of this rift back onto council can only lead to more of the same - internal division resulting in poor governance. If these councillors want our support in November, they must heal the rift and win back our confidence. Standing on their past performance will not work.

It seems to me, the best thing they could do would be reinstate portfolios and get them ready to hand over to the new council after the election.

If they don't, and a new council moves to bring them back, those responsible for removing them in the first place will find themselves in an untenable position. Will they submit to the will of the new council or will they rebel the way the old council did?

If they rebel, the Rural City of Wangaratta could well go the way of Glen Eira Council.

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Associated article: Glen Eira Council Sacked (The Age)

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