No vote from the boys

Source: Wngaratta Chronicle: 17 Nov 08

Preferences reveal sitting councillors’ division

Written by SALLY EVANS.

AN indication of preferences for this month’s Rural City of Wangaratta council election has revealed a division between sitting councillors.

Cr Rozi Parisotto has not included any of her colleagues in the top seven, and has instead formed a ticket with former councillor Kerrin Chambers, as well as newcomers Lauren O’Neill and Malcolm McKay.

In return, Cr Parisotto has been ranked last by rural city mayor Roberto Paino, and second last by councillor Neville Wright.

She is also ninth on Crs Bernard Young and Ron Webb’s preferences.

The bond between Crs Wright, Young, Webb and Paino remains strong, however, after they ranked each other at least in their top six.

Cr Parisotto said there were ill feelings following the release of preferences, particularly as she voted for Cr Paino as mayor.

"To see the way preferences have been given is indicative of the way I’ve been treated on council," she said.

"It’s not based on accountability or experience, but on personality, and I don’t belong to the same club."

But Cr Paino said he set his preferences with the aim of achieving seven independent councillors.

"There’s one ticket and I don’t see that as a right way to go," he said.

"Councillors should be independent, free of any political influence or persuasion, of independent thought and work as a team to achieve the best outcome for the people of Wangaratta."

Amanda Campbell, who was the only candidate not to submit preferences, said she was happy to leave the decision to rural city voters.

"I don’t feel comfortable telling other people how to vote," she said.