My Internet Journal is designed to provide details on my work as a councillor for the City of Maroondah and also my involvement within a variety of community organisations.
You can also subscribe to updates to stay informed in regard to community and council activities and how I am making a difference for the Maroondah community.
As an independent councillor and candidate, I aim to work constructively with all political parties and individuals to deliver better outcomes for our community. The bi-partisan agreement to abolish zone three is an example of this, as is the first stage of funding that was announced for Ringwood Station and much needed public transport improvements.
It has unfortunately been reported that Adam Pepper, the Greens Candidate for Mullum, was instructing supporters not to preference me in the council elections. I am pleased to state that this has been corrected and Adam has written the following letter to clarify this:
Dear Sir/Madam,
In the current election campaign candidates have raised issues such as who is a genuine candidate, mobile phone use and the state of our footpaths. While these issues are important and need to be addressed over time, I believe one issue should stand out for all candidates over the next 4 years.
Last night I attended the Eastern Region Climate Forum where Dr David Spratt spoke of the urgency for all levels of Government to work towards avoiding dangerous climate change, where the tipping point may only be years away. He urged all of us to become leaders in attempting to stop dangerous climate change. A recent article in the Education Age (17/11) highlighted the reluctance of a large percentage of young people to make changes that will improve the sustainability of of society. Our society needs young leaders on this issue.
Alex Makin is one of the few candidates with a track record of attempting to take action on climate issues. People concerned about climate change should preference towards him and support him when he is elected.
Local Government can play a vital role in addressing dangerous climate change, and I hope that candidates who are willing to be leaders on this issue are elected as I have tried to support them through my official preference list.
Sincerely
Adam Pepper
Australian Greens Candidate for Mullum Ward
thedrpepper@bigpond.com
0402083469
The relationships I have with individuals and political parties is crucial in delivering outcomes that are making a difference to our community. I appreciate the constructive relationship I have with the Greens and for their acknowledgement of my work in reducing greenhouse emissions and acting on climate change.
Adam Pepper, who is the only party candidate that is upfront about his political affiliations, has run a dignified campaign and I applaud him for his stance on climate change and local issues.
The following article was written by a journalism student who asked Cr. Jo-anne Taylor and myself about the challenges experienced within local government:
While some Maroondah citizens would not know who these individuals are, it’s highly likely that the residents, ratepayers, business owners and community groups of Maroondah have witnessed the outcome of their hard work on a daily basis.
These photos are of Alex Makin and Joanne Taylor, two local councillors who are dong it tough for Maroondah. They spend up to 30 hours a week on council duties yet face daily obstacles from their colleagues and receive little recognition from the community.
Representing residents and ratepayers is an overwhelming commitment which requires intense passion and impacts on the lives of councillors, including their family and friends. As Cr Alex Makin stated, “council, has made it difficult to balance a career outside of council, as well as other commitments.”
Privacy or the lack of it, is another issue faced by councillors “apparently I don’t have a private life anymore. My family, including my children know what has been put in the paper about me,” Cr Joanne Taylor added.
With council elections looming over Maroondah, it appears that political rivalry is rife. “The gang of four have made it difficult to encourage public discussion and debate, but it has been possible to work around such difficulties, through local community groups and supportive council officers,” Cr Alex Makin stated.
Despite these obstacles Cr Alex Makin and Cr Joanne Taylor are running for the upcoming council election because both believe there is still work to be done. “I am standing so I can continue to make a difference to Maroondah, particularly in regards to improved accessibility, sustainability and the accountability of council,” Cr Alex Makin commented.
“I particularly want to see council meetings conducted in the view of the public, so that debates occur in the open. This would prevent the current political divisions since the public can see the discussion,” Cr Alex Makin added.
“I have survived two terms - despite some councillor’s best effort to have me removed, this has only made me more determined, and I now know enough to make change happen,” Cr Joanne Taylor said.
Both councillors are excited with the prospect of the new council structure which will introduce a new generation of local councillors to Maroondah. “Prior to this structure being in place Maroondah councillors were being elected unopposed, which weakened local democracy,” Cr Alex Makin stated.
The last three years have laid numerous foundations for Cr Alex Makin and Cr Joanne Taylor. Both are thrilled with their achievements to date, which have included the prevention of the sale of parkland and the removal of zone three, through advocacy that involved local council.
With it being compulsory for residents and ratepayers over the age of 18 to vote from Wednesday 12 November to Sunday 29 November, it is important that Maroondah is represented by councillors that are committed to making a difference.
For further information on Cr Alex Makin and Cr Joanne Taylor please visit their websites at www.alexmakin.com.au and www.jo-annetaylor.com.au.
Located at 28 Warrandyte Road in Ringwood, Women’s Health East is a community based women’s health agency. The organisation aims to lead, promote and supports health initiatives for women within Melbourne’s eastern region.
Today’s annual general meeting discussed the Health Promotion Plan, which identified the key priorities over the next three years. The plan includes a focus on violence against women, reproductive health and mental health and wellbeing.
Women’s Health East has an emphasis on advocacy, as well as health promotion and the organisation’s first factsheet assists in both of these aims. The factsheet, which is on violence against women, identifies the reported cases of violence and ongoing concerns over the under-reporting of such crimes.
Local government has the potential to promote health and wellbeing and encourage gender equity. As a candidate in the council elections I recently signed my commitment to the Action Plan for Women’s Health 2008-2012 and Council’s Community Wellbeing Plan will be able to assist in implementing these aims.
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Safe, Well and Connected: Action Plan for Women’s Health 2008-2012 , Partners in Health, Safety and Wellbeing Committee - defining the wellbeing of Maroondah , Partners in Health, Safety and Wellbeing Committee - final meeting for 2008 , Enjoying Planned Retirement Annual General Meeting , Statement of Commitment to Reconciliation
Category: Accessibility, Community Engagement, Maroondah, Partners in Health, Safety and Wellbeing Committee, Urban Sustainability
The Maroondah Journal has reported on the launch of www.genuinecandidates.com, a website that has been established to assist the community with identifying the genuine candidates in the upcoming Maroondah City Council elections.
Cr Makin said the website was a source of information before an election. “It began as members of the community were concerned with candidates’ links to developers and dummy candidates. It’s there to educate the public on an ongoing trend that subverts democracy.”
The website identifies candidates that have been actively involved within local community groups and are not aligned with developers or the practice of using dummy candidates. A dummy candidate is where someone runs for council simply to direct preferences to another candidate.
A number of candidates were not included on the website since they were unable to explain why they were receiving preferences without reciprocating. As an example there are candidates who receive second preferences from a number of candidates without returning similar preferences. This is a clear sign of a candidate that uses dummy candidates.
Perhaps unsurprisingly some non-genuine candidates have protested over the establishment of the website and are trying to close it down. Fortunately the members of the community who established the site will not give to to these non-genuine candidates.
I strongly urge the community to examine the preferences of each candidate to avoid those that are using dummy candidates and subverting local democracy. For further information please visit www.genuinecandidates.com.
Alex Makin, a candidate for the Mullum Ward has slammed the council candidates who failed to attend a community forum at North Ringwood Community House.
“It is bitterly disappointing that a council candidate would choose to ignore a designated candidates’ forum”, Alex Makin, candidate for the Mullum Ward said. “This lack of attendance clearly demonstrates that some candidates lack the genuineness and sincerity required for council.”
The candidates’ forum was held at North Ringwood Community House on Wednesday the 5th of November. Several topics were discussed, including the relocation of North Ringwood Community House, Ringwood Station and climate change.
The forum was attended by Alex Makin, Jo-anne Taylor, Peter Feeney and Nora Lamont. Ann Fraser, Mary-anne Lowe, Sam Nahoum, Samantha Marks, Sherlye Griffiths and Tony Dib all failed to attend.
“I applaud the candidates that took the time to attend the forum as this demonstrates that they are sincere about standing for council. I urge the community to support a candidate that speaks to their local community and not someone that hides away and is a no show for public events”, Cr. Makin concluded.
About Alex Makin:
Alex Makin was elected in November 2005 as the Councillor for Loughnan’s Hill ward in the City of Maroondah. Alex, currently the youngest councillor elected within the history of the City of Maroondah, is involved with the Maroondah Citizens Advice Bureau, Croydon Conservation Society, the Ringwood Spiders Football Club, North Ringwood Community House, Eastern Volunteers and the Disabilities Action Group. Alex has a regularly updated website and blog at www.alexmakin.com.au.
ALL MEDIA ENQUIRIES: ALEX MAKIN ON 0409 136 213
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Media Release: United call to support genuine candidates , Media Release: Councils need to enter the 21st century , Mullum Candidates’ Forum , Maroondah Journal: Forum to gauge candidates’ support , Media Release: New Community House a Priority
Category: Community Engagement, Maroondah, Media Releases
Alex Makin is a candidate for Mullum Ward in Maroondah City Council. Alex has been a councillor since 2005, representing ratepayers, businesses, community groups and residents.
I aim to provide an active voice for the community and welcome any thoughts you may have in regard to life and business in Maroondah.
Phone: (03) 9812 2337 or 0409 136 213
Email: alex@alexmakin.com.au
