Mayor, six others get nod

By TANIAMARTIN
THE State Liberal Party has preselected seven candidates to stand in the November 2006 elections.
The administrative committee last week officially endorsed six candidates for preselection by party members in the electorates of Ferntree Gully, Kilsyth, Evelyn, Mt Waverley, Mornington and Hastings.
The seat for Gembrook was also decided over the weekend.
However, the executive team review panel must still approve the preselected candidates on Friday 19 August.
Nick Wakeling, a City of Knox councillor, was selected for Ferntree Gully.
Cr Wakeling said he was prompted to run for the state election to campaign against traffic congestion, and the unfulfilled promise of a 24hour police station in Rowville.
“These problems can only be fixed through being a state MP, and by pressuring the State Government,” he said.
Cr Wakeling felt residents in the electorate of Ferntree Gully were looking for a representative who would listen to the views of the local community and fight on their behalf, and not stop, until the problem was solved.
Shire of Yarra Ranges mayor David Hodgett was selected as Liberal candidate for Kilsyth.
Cr Hodgett has represented the Mooroolbark Ward of the Yarra Ranges since 1997.
Former state MP Christine Fyffe will take another foray into the political arena as the preselected candidate for the Evelyn electorate.
Ms Fyffe has been a resident of the Yarra Valley for more than 30 years and is a coowner and operator of the Yarra Burn Winery and Restaurant, in Yarra Junction.
After two attempts, Simon Wildes of Kallista has been chosen as the candidate for Gembrook.
Mr Wildes is serving on the Emerald Village Committee and the Emerald Winterfest Committee and is an avid fundraiser for local community services.
The Mail contacted the other candidates, but they were unable to comment.