The journey of standing for the local government elections for Bellingen Shire was both rewarding and revealing.
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I learnt a lot, received encouragement and support by many members of the community for which I am grateful.
I would like to thank Team Klipin my running mates Steve, Kenton and Jo for all your hard work and support over the last few months leading up to the elections.
I am sure many people found the days following the election, waiting to know who would be elected was a long and anxious one.
Congratulations to Dominic King on election as mayor and to the six councillors who will represent us, the community for the next four years: Steve Klipin, Desmae Harrison, Gary Carter, Jenny Fenton, Tony Wright-Turner and Steve Jenkins.
To the other candidates who missed out on election I offer my congratulations for standing for the local government elections and thank you for your considered and passionate thought and care for the Bellingen Shire.
Today I watched a live video of the elected councillors take the oath of office publically, thank you, it is a demonstration of your commitment to be our community representatives.
To councillor Jenkins who chose to take his oath in the privacy of a solicitors office to satisfy his own belief that the position of general manager was not a satisfactory position to take the oath in front of, even though it is legislated as an approved position – I am disappointed.
You put your own belief and agenda above that of a community, who throughout the month long campaign asked for a greater transparency and communication for Bellingen Shire Council and our elected councillors.
Taking the oath in the privacy of the solicitor's office is not transparent in my opinion.
I hope that you are committed and able to be a team player and work with your fellow elected councillors, mayor and the council staff to make a positive and progressive approach to achieving worthwhile results for the Bellingen Shire and our communities.