Colac Otway Shire Chief Executive Peter Brown has urged candidates and the community to be respectful and considerate during the Colac Otway Shire Council Election campaign, which formally starts tomorrow.
“This year has been anything but normal and there are many people struggling with the COVID situation, including those impacted by the virus through illness, loss of work and business or the pressures of restrictions and isolation,” Mr Brown said.
“In any election campaign, it is important that the community is respectful to candidates and in this climate, people need to be especially kind to each other.
“Views will vary in a diverse community and it is vital that candidates discuss issues, not attack each other, and that the community embraces these community leaders, listens to their views and uses that information to decide their vote.
“Putting yourself forward as a Council candidate is a significant commitment which deserves admiration, and the Colac Otway Shire community needs seven good people to lead this Council through the next four years.
“There are exciting, progressive times ahead for Colac Otway however there will also be uncertainty and unprecedented issues to navigate as we move to the post-COVID recovery and rebuilding phase.
“We need candidates, whether they are successful in their election endeavours or not, to have a positive experience and to be proud they have stood for Colac Otway Shire Council.
“It has been a very challenging lead-up to the opening of nominations, with candidates unable to have their usual face-to-face contact with the community and Council,” he said.
“It will therefore be important for our community to learn about their Council candidates through the various platforms, including social media, take the time to learn about these people, and above all, be courteous and kind.”
Colac Otway Shire Council 2020 Election nominations open tomorrow 17 September and close 22 Tuesday September at 12 noon.
Voters in each council will receive a ballot pack in early October they need to complete and return it as soon as possible before voting closes at 6 pm on Friday 23 October.
