Locals lose their voice

IT IS obvious by the results of the Shire of Yarra Ranges elections that the local community in the Ryrie Ward has lost their voice and their right to choose their local government representative.
Kerri Goding was the obvious choice by residents of the Ryrie Ward due to the fact that she received over 3000 votes which was 1200 votes more than any other candidate.
However, Local Government elections have gone down the path of party politics where candidates do deals with each other for preferences.
Local Government should be free of party politics and should allow the local community to have one vote on who they want to represent their needs.
The choice was made by a majority in the ward and Kerri Goding should be representing the Ryrie Ward but to lose after being so far in front because of preferences is a joke.
It’s time to return local government to the people and stop the preference deals. It’s time to allow the community and not the candidates to choose their local government representative.
Kersten Gentle
Healesville