Leo Foley to stand for Hobart City Council
The President of the Council of Hobart Community Associations, Leo Foley, announced today that he will stand as a candidate in the upcoming Hobart City Council elections.
Hobart needs fresh thinking to revitalise itself,” Foley said. “Hobart can be managed better, but needs fresh faces with new ideas. The chance of Council amalgamation gives us an opportunity to plan for the whole city. We can get the efficiency gains, as well as better representation for residents.”
Consultation is the key to improved participation,” he says. The Hobart Ratepayers Association advocates resident panels and precinct-style community groups with direct access to Council. “The era of the expert is over; let’s tap into the knowledge that exists in the community,” Foley said.
Leo Foley is the President of the Council of Hobart Community Associations, having held the position for the past 5 years. Until 2010, he was President of the Lenah Valley Community Association for 5 years, and has recently formed the Hobart Ratepayers Association to concentrate on broader issues of concern to all Hobart residents and ratepayers.
Policies of Hobart Ratepayers Association:
- Rates will be assessed on land values only;
- Election of Councillors will be by the ‘small-group, multi-level democracy’ method – a Citizen’s Democracy;
- The number of elected Aldermen will be reduced, to reflect the loss of some traditional local government responsibilities;
- Amalgamation of Councils will be encouraged;
- Councils will develop a ‘Participatory Culture”, including Precinct-style consultation with residents;
- Transparency of Council decisions, achieved through openness and trust;
- Modern 21st Century public transport options will be developed
- Affordable housing will be developed, using the Community Land Trust model
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