Dear Editor,
I wish to congratulate our successful candidates in the election and to also say thank you to all who offered themselves for public service. It was a great campaign in so many ways. I believe our new Council represents the diversity on Bowen and I am personally thrilled to see three new women on Council, all of whom bring tremendous skills that will benefit our municipality. And I hope those of you who did not make it onto council will offer your services to our community through council committees or other organizations.
A few words from a former councillor: enjoy this time and have fun and don’t take each other too seriously. You will need the humour as you wade through minutes (oh right, Alison is there to do that!), budget documents and planning reports. Remember to debate openly at the table. Our community is enriched by hearing this debate and learning about our councillors’ views and seeing democracy in action. Maybe expanding the venue for such debates and discussions might be an idea to consider – to something like the All Candidates Facebook forum – so people can read about your views, especially on issues of major significance to the community.
It is my sincere hope that with this new diverse and representative council, Bowen will move forward with less acrimony and that we will see a tone of mutual respect between the Council and the public, regardless of the difference in views on some issues.
Good luck and don’t forget to laugh lots! Our island is lucky to have you all.
Sincerely
Nerys Poole
