Damon Thomas

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The 2011 council elections are being held against a backdrop of increased community alarm at the spiralling cost of living. Many of these increases are caused by the steep rise in the costs of utilities and government, including councils. More than any other single factor, the extra cost of living threatens pensions and retirement incomes and has people worried about how they will survive financially and enjoy a basic standard of living

As Chairman of the Council’s Finance Committee I am alarmed at the reduced capacity of people to meet expenses in our community, particularly the fear  pensioners and  independent retirees have expressed to me about how they can continue to meet bills from council , from utilities and, in some cases,  even pay for food and necessities .

As Lord Mayor I would do everything within my power to work with council officers and my fellow aldermen to reduce rates and improve services to the community. As part of this pledge I will fight to contain costs with a focus on maintaining full employment. I will strenuously oppose wasteful projects that reduce operating savings that could be passed on to rate payers as reduced rates .

Projects such as the Battery Point walkway have already consumed enormous amounts of council time and money and in today’s stretched and strained financial times must be stopped NOW . The walkway project has already met with significant environmental concerns and, importantly, lacks any commitment from the State.  In the absence of any federal funding, the project would bring totally unacceptable and significant financial pressure to bear on the council and that would translate into significant rates increases to fund construction.  That is unacceptable and on that basis, I do not support the walkway project.

Leading up to the council election, a new spotlight on just how much local government a state the size of Tasmania, with a population of only 500 000 people, needs will give rise to much discussion and debate about  the best options for restructuring local government.    I have strong views on the positive value of this debate.  There is an important need to identify the most appropriate solution for good local government whilst ensuring that any council amalgamation is strategically and skilfully carried out with the approval and support of the people of Hobart and so as not to financially disadvantage the Hobart community .

In the lead up to polls closing on October 25^th I invite you to write to me, tweet me, or post a message on Face book.

WHATEVER YOU DO, USE YOUR VOICE AND USE YOUR VOTE.  VOTE AND VOTE 1 DAMON THOMAS FOR LORD MAYOR

Damon Thomas

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