In response to last week’s article on the Saddle Rd DA, the discussion was long and arduous owing to the contradictory and missing information in the staff report. This needed to be thrashed out, as evidenced by the large number of amendments and ever-changing opinions.
Everyone was leaning over backwards to play ‘fair’ given Matthew is a Greens candidate. It’s too easy to sit on the sidelines and be critical. We all do it. But in the long run, those out of the loop are unaware of all the discussions, questions, site inspections and other research that precedes any Council meeting.
At least with our current Mayor, Michael Lyon, meetings now proceed with respect and good humour. I can’t tell you how relaxing it is to be able to ‘gnaw the bone’ in the chamber without being personally attacked and denigrated during any exchange. To actually feel one’s contribution to the debate is respectfully considered and actually ‘heard’ has been refreshing. I have finally felt part of a team that seriously considers each matter objectively and with the best interests of the community at heart. Michael is a team player and capable of listening and changing his mind, and I applaud that.
I believe all candidates running for mayor in the next election have integrity, intelligence and enthusiasm in abundance. However, given next term will be a very short one, we will need a mayor who has experience in the political arena if we are to get off to a seamless start.
Asren Pugh can give you that in spades – integrity, political experience, deep knowledge and he is a lifetime local environmental warrior – (and yes, I am a Labor candidate).
But don’t damn Michael. He’s been even-handed and professional in the position of mayor and as chair of meetings and I’ve enjoyed working in a respectful and collegiate Council chamber at last.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
