Paul Weston talks about Gold Coast City Council candidates ahead of election

A candidate is signing up for a job worth between $166,000 and $279,000 – if they are serious to the community calling, they are on call 24/7 for four years. See why Paul Weston thinks some of them are ‘d-heads’

The only way to begin this political campaign is with the truth.

There are 46 candidates in the Gold Coast City poll. A few of them are d---heads.

This is in the sense of that word being used by your teenage son, when he casually remarks: “You know Dad, you’re acting like a real d---head.”

Your behaviour is out of line, you are losing it emotionally, ranting and raving. The political world is no different.

Certain poor behaviour goes unreported. Those targeted try to ignore it. But in their gut, the stress of it burns – some great candidates will never put their hand up in the political spotlight again.

Gold Coast residents voting in the QLD State election. Picture: JERAD WILLIAMS

The Crime and Corruption Commission investigates serious complaints. The Office of Independent Assessor reports on misconduct.

But there is no authority to deal with with a whole different class of individuals: d---heads.

The most appalling and galling consequence of this is across all mainstream media – because doors are open in support of democracy – we legitimise every candidate, even those who are consistent ratbags during a campaign.

It only costs $250 to nominate. A candidate can push a button on a free online training course. The Electoral Commission of Queensland only cautions that local government needs councillors from “diverse backgrounds and a wide range of knowledge”.

But here’s the real deal. Council’s workforce is the second biggest in the city after health with about 4000 staffers. The City’s budget is $2.2bn.

A candidate is signing up for a job worth between $166,000 and $279,000 depending on the position – if they are serious to the community calling, they are on call 24/7 for four years.

Ask Cr William Owen-Jones (who your columnist can confirm is not a d---head and does not tolerate them) how many grey hairs he got from 2012 to now.

The ECQ handbook says an “effective councillor” needs to have:

Surfers Dylan Riley and Hayden Sargeant vote on the way to Mermaid Beach. Pic by Luke Marsden.

AN active interest in community issues

GOOD communication skills and the ability to engage with a range of people, good problem solving and negotiation skills

MOTIVATION to work with others to achieve results

LEADERSHIP skills along with business and financial management skills

A WILLINGNESS to do the right thing if faced with a conflict of interest between the public interest and a personal interest.

Many candidates tick all those boxes. A few are lucky to tick one, and it’s “self-interest”.

A political insider says: “If a candidate is someone who is volatile in the campaign, they will continue to be volatile in the chamber.

“How do you build the trust of the team you work for.

“The council officers are doing the work for you.” It’s a “fantasy narrative” – pitting them against council and the media. They are, if successful, going to have to work in the chamber and outside with the journalists.

Before you vote on March 16, pick an “effective councillor” who ticks all the boxes.

Recycling in the bin

Spotted at a print shop, Division 3 council candidate Tamzin Revell asked whether she could put her brand on the back of old election posters offered up by Stewart Brooker, who ran in Fadden.

The horseriding instructor and strong advocate for regenerative farming was told it was impossible to recycle the posters, and had to order a few new ones of her own.

Tamzin Revel. PicSarah/Marshall

Late to the party

Were some of our city councillors caught unprepared by the late nominations this week for next month’s council poll?

Deputy Mayor Donna Gates always expected to get some opponents, with some of her signs already posted. Michael Banham and Tamzin Revell are her late candidates. “I have enormous passion for the area,” Cr Gates said. “That has been inflamed because I have a couple of opponents.”

Donna Gates at the Magic Millions Polo and Showjumping at The Spit for Gold Coast at Large, Picture, Portia Large.

Pet subject

Mark Hammel, the city’s most northern councillor, about to go to lunch after the last council meeting on Tuesday, discovered he had a poll opponent. Lisa Findlay is standing in Division One for the Animal Justice Party. The poll will be steep learning curve for the planning chairwoman, busy with a young family, but sheepishly admitting to not owning a dog.

Councillor Mark Hammel at the City of Gold Coast's council meeting. Picture: Jerad Williams