By Parker McKenzie
Doug MacDonald believes his history in business management and accounting will help him streamline Yarra Ranges Council if he is elected as councillor for Streeton Ward.
“I believe in a lot of cases there’s too much emphasis put on political correctness and not enough put on getting the best benefits for the ratepayers from the rates they pay,” he said.
“I’d try streamlining the council’s mechanisms and efficiency to get the best results and try to keep the influence of political correctness and rubbish out of the system, because it doesn’t achieve anything for the ratepayers.”
Mr MacDonald said this isn’t his first time nominating for councillor of Streeton Ward.
“I actually ran in the last election and got 13 per cent of the primary vote in that election while the winner got 18 per cent, so didn’t do too bad there.” he said.
Mr MacDonald has lived in Olinda for over 40 years and said he will offer an unbiased opinion to council without political interference.
“Unfortunately most councils or councillors are puppets for the big political parties,” he said.
“They influence local items for the benefit of various state or federal politics.”
The by-election will take place in February, with ballots to be distributed through post to registered voters between Tuesday 1 February and Thursday 3 February, before voting closes on Friday 18 February 2022.
Saturday 19 February has been prescribed as Election Day by the VEC, with Monday 28 February 2022 the latest date all results will be declared.
12,415 Victorians were enrolled in Streeton Ward at the last council election in 2020, which includes Upwey, Sassafras and Olinda.
