Upper Hunter Shire residents spoiled for choice, must also vote on mayoral referendum

It was Kevin Rudd’s slogan as he successfully attempted to throw John Howard, and the Coalition government, out of office.

Rudd was all over social media during that campaign – he cleverly used the tool to appeal to the younger generation.

It proved to be highly effective. Rudd won in a landslide over Howard, with the general public having grown tired of the long-serving Prime Minister. The election was arguably the first time in Australia where a national leader had been chosen largely through the power of social media.

There are obviously many benefits of Facebook, Twitter and other social media outlets, not only for politicians or candidates but also the public, during a campaign.

Candidates can seem more accessible and appealing on a personal level to the public, while it obviously serves as a strong platform for pushing agendas.

But, with the majority of the community set to vote on Saturday, it’s worth noting the often superficial nature of social media.

Should a candidate, politician or mayor be elected based on the number of likes they get on a page or photo?

Certainly not.

Naive as it may sound, the election should never be a popularity contest but more one that is focused on respectable ideas to move the region forward.

Ahead of the local government elections, a number of councillors put their hands up again for another term, while there are several standing for the first time.

Upper Hunter Shire residents have been spoiled for choice – there are 13 candidates vying to be in a position to help our terrific community progress.

Some pockets of the public, either rightfully or wrongfully, have expressed their displeasure with Upper Hunter Shire Council’s achievements, or perceived lack of, in the past few years.

So, here is your chance to hold those now running to account. 

While meeting candidates in person and discussing issues of concern prior to voting may not have been entirely practical in our chaotic world, it’s certainly a much more effective method than relying on the often deceptive tool of social media.

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Voters in the Upper Hunter Shire will be asked their preference for the Mayoral election system, in a Constitutional Referendum to be held at the same time as the Local Government Elections on September 10.

Voters will be asked:

The Mayor of the Upper Hunter Shire is currently elected annually by the nine (9) Councillors. 

Do you want to change to the direct election of the Mayor by the voters of the Upper Hunter Shire Council, for a four (4) year term, with the number of Councillors (including the Mayor) remaining at nine (9)?

Yes or No?

If a majority of Upper Hunter Shire voters support a change to the system, it will be introduced at the subsequent Local Government Election due in 2020.

The rules around Mayoral elections, including which system is used, are by the Local Government Act 1993.

The system for electing the Mayor cannot be changed without a referendum.