With something of a record number of candidates seeking to change things with the local Council, the no vote spoilt its own chances by spreading itself too thinly. Had two of the contending candidates pulled out - perhaps even one- then there is little doubt they could have got one of their members over the line and seen Eddington dismissed. Hoult, however, was obviously a clear cut winner and must be congratulated. But the community is entitled to question where the respective councilors allegiances lie e.g. is it towards the electorate or is it towards their fellow councilors in a sentiment of stick together and sink or swim.

We must be seen to stand as a United Council. (That happened with the Quays business when at the end of the day Moss and Hoult still threw their lot in with the other Councillors.) A house divided. Just what is the condition of our local Council We have Councillor Gosper making public and formal allegations of corruption within, open talk of writs being taken out against her by Moss, Eddington and Hoult and, despite all his years as Deputy President, Hipper being ousted from his position.

A community needs a cohesive Shire Council to conduct the affairs of Local Government in a successful manner. With any organization, if there are divisions within at the top, these reverberate down and into the community. Let us look to our local Council as civic leaders getting its act together and setting the community an example.