The Maroondah Journal has published my letter in response to the comments written by Carol Hunter from the Maroondah Residents and Ratepayers Association.
My response, which was published in this week’s paper, is as follows:
While the Maroondah Residents and Ratepayers Association refuses to refer to me by name, it is clear that I was the target of their ill informed and offensive comments (November 27).
I find it surprising that Carol Hunter asserts that my only interest is public transport.
If she paid attention to council meetings then she would have heard me discuss a range of topics including accessibility, sustainability, planning, environmental and youth issues. I have also spoken about some of the wonderful community groups that exist for senior residents. These include Enjoying Planned Retirement, where I am a regular guest at its functions.
Transcripts of the speeches I deliver in council, as well as details about my council activities are readily available from my website www.alexmakin.com.au. I will let the community, rather than an ill-informed association, be the judge as to whether I have the ‘life experience’ necessary to represent the Maroondah community.
It is a shame that the Maroondah Residents and Ratepayers Association, a once proud and strong organisation, is stating that younger people should neither be seen or heard. Everyone in our community, regardless of age, should be treated with the utmost respect.
Alex Makin
Maroondah Councillor
A strong and independent Ratepayers Association would be beneficial to local democracy and good governance. It is unfortunate however that the Maroondah Residents and Ratepayers Association prefer instead to issue factually incorrect comments and denigrate the community.
I would like to thank the many members in the community who supported my comments and stated their appreciation for the duties I undertake as the councillor for Loughnan’s Hill Ward.
Local councils should be reflective of the community it represents and as such younger people, like all age groups, should be encouraged to participate in local democracy.