OUR MAYOR holds the highest placed Citizen Elected position in the City of Wanneroo.
Accordingly it is my firm belief that our mayor should always see them self as the most important representative of the City, a person charged first and fore mostly with looking after the city's existing customers - us.
Regardless of whether we are currently renting, buying, or whether we own private or business property in the City of Wanneroo, I believe we deserve to be treated by council as important customers.
Customers have rights - among them the right to have their varied points of view heard, the right to know what is planned and for when it is planned, the right to ask for a different or better deal.
Citizens' rights are protected by legislation and I am sure this legislation is prudently followed by officers of council.
Yet, from time to time, some customers of the city have believed their point of view was not taken into account, they have not found out about matters which impact them until it is too late to get things changed. Sadly they have believed their pleas for a better deal have sometimes fallen on deaf ears. This may or may not be true - the important thing is they believe it to be true.
Because of the unique office, it is also my opinion that, our elected Mayor should contribute more than any other individual to the encouragement of the serving team of elected councillors - supporting these councillors to explore all opportunities available to benefit their electors.
Fostering free and open debate in an atmosphere of respect for all opinions is one of the main ways I believe our Mayor can be this kind of positive force in council.
Another way is for the Mayor to accurately represent the views of elected council as it is the Mayor who is the only official spokesperson for council.
However we look at it, the position of Mayor is an important one - crucial to the future good guidance and good governance of our city and our collective well being.
Authorised and printed by Bob Smithson, 3 Ashcott Gate, Butler, 6036. Telephone: 9562 0858 Mobile: 0410 543 385.
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