Rates group coup

By Ed Merrison
RATEPAYERS’ group the Knox Reform Coalition (KRC) emerged as the big winner in the Knox City Council election on the weekend.
KRC-backed candidates won in six out of the nine wards, ousting three sitting councillors in the process.
KRC chairman Richard Thomas said he was delighted the community had chosen a fresh team to represent it.
“I believe (the new councillors) are an outstanding group of independent people who will serve Knox well,” he said.
Mr Thomas said the KRC’s success came from voters’ perception that they were paying more in rates but not getting more in the way of service.
“Our slogan was ‘Putting Common Sense Back into Council’, and I think that is exactly what the people wanted,” he said.
Mr Thomas said residents could expect closer attention to detail and cost control from the new councillors, who would still maintain a high standard of service and facilities.
“It has been unbelievably hard work for the team that supported the Knox Reform Coalition, but I know they all think the results justify the effort,” he said.
Former Chandler Ward councillor Ben Smith was one of those ousted by a KRC-backed candidate.
Mr Smith was defeated by Monique Davey after distribution of preferences, having led the vote on first preferences.
Former Collier Ward councillor Garry Scates, who was recently embroiled in a dispute with the KRC over its business name and who angered Knox basketball players by dismissing an appeal for fairer treatment, suffered a heavy loss on first preference votes to Joe Cossari Jr.
Former Taylor Ward councillor Emanuele Cicchiello, who had sat on the council since 2000 and served as mayor from March to November 2004, also fell victim to the KRC when he lost a two-horse race against Tony Kamitsis.
The vacancy left by retiring Knox mayor and former Baird Ward councillor Jenny Moore was filled by Jim Penna, while Debbie Field took the place of Nick Wakeling, the former councillor for Friberg Ward who will run as the Liberal candidate for Ferntree Gully in the next state election.
Dobson Ward councillor Karin Orpen, who has sat on the council since 1997, retained her seat despite being pushed to preferential votes by young Liberal Andrew Higgs.
Like Cr Orpen, Dinsdale Ward councillor Adam Gill and Tirhatuan Ward councillor Mick Van de Vreede also kept their places on the council, having fended off KRC-backed candidates after distribution of preferences.
Scott Ward councillor David Cooper, the only sitting councillor endorsed by the KRC, retained his seat on first preference votes.
Council officers reported a three per cent increase in voter turnout in this year’s elections, with preliminary results indicating that 76% of those eligible cast their vote.
Council chief executive officer Graeme Emonson thanked all candidates who stood for election and congratulated those who were successful.
“The elections last Saturday were an opportunity for members of the Knox community to vote for a new council for the next three years,” Mr Emonson said.
Voting was compulsory and residents who did not vote and who are not exempt from voting will receive a letter from the Victorian Electoral Commission within 28 days.
If they are unable to provide an acceptable explanation for their failure to vote, they will incur a fine of $50.