Toowoomba council elections: Who to vote for at ballot box

Still undecided on who to vote for as you head to the polls today? Here’s what we think you need to consider when casting your ballot.

Voting in council elections is tough.

When you head to the ballot box, you’ll be presented with nearly 30 names, all of whom offer a variety of opinions, or on certain things none at all.

It can be hard to keep track.

And as my colleague Tom Gillespie has pointed out, this is a vitally important election despite the tone that has been set.

I’m not going to tell you who should get your vote, but I will offer some advice to people who remain undecided heading to the ballot box.

Without naming names, there’s no doubt that many council candidates create a smokescreen and focus on hot button issues that have little, if anything, to do with council operations.

Councillors need to be principled, pragmatic, and operate within the confines of their job.

I can get behind any councillor who brings fresh ideas to the table, but you have to work within the confines of local government.

Be wary of any candidate who attempts to lure you in on the promise of engaging in cultural warfare, far beyond the scope of a council, let alone one of 11.

One councillor tried it during this term, and I don’t imagine they would try it again.

Be wary of a candidate with grandiose ideas – they are one councillor, and they are likely to over promise and underdeliver.

Fresh ideas are good, no doubt, but it is important any councillor understands what exactly their job will entail.

Vote for people whose ideas align with your values, but know whether it will be possible to impelement those ideas at a local government level.

I also would suggest it is wise for incoming councillors, whether they are returning or new, to genuinely listen to their constituents.

Some of the responses to genuine audience concerns during last week’s candidates forum were overly defensive.

Perhaps that wasn’t the intention, but when it comes to messaging – it’s all in the delivery.

Best of luck to all the candidates.