By JESSE GRAHAM
WHEN Samantha Dunn left the Yarra Ranges Council’s Lyster ward, there was much discussion and speculation on what would come next.
Who would replace her? How would they be aligned politically? Would there be another Greens councillor in Lyster, or would there be a shift towards a more conservative representative in the hills?
Enter Mike Clarke.
A former Greens member and passionate environmentalist, he ran with the party for a council election in 2012 and the state election last year – both unsuccessfully.
He split from the party in order to run for Lyster this year, as the Greens preselected another candidate, and in a sit-down interview, told me he thought the move was for the best.
Cr Clarke, who will be sworn in at tonight’s Yarra Ranges Council meeting, said he felt separating from the Greens would allow him to make open and independent council decisions, instead of toeing a party line.
Though he is still a firm environmentalist – and one of over 40 years at that – he said he wanted to represent his community, and meet people from all points on the political spectrum.
But the moment the news hit the Mail’s Facebook page, the only comment on the story was one criticising Cr Clarke for being aligned with the Greens in the past.
This is an entirely OK thing – the allegiances of politicians should be open for discussion and criticism, particularly when it influences decisions made that affect the community.
And it is for this reason, among others, many people will watch with interest when Cr Clarke takes his seat in the council chambers and puts his vote forward on matters.
His independence means he has the option to veer from party lines when it may benefit the community – though ultimately the decision is his on where he thinks Lyster’s vote should go.
His personal politics also contribute to the diverse nature of council – a whole range of political ideas are represented in our nine councillors, and that allows for most viewpoints to have a voice in council.
Tony Abbott said, somewhat controversially, that it is the public that hires and fires politicians. Lyster has the benefit of having 18 months’ probation before the ward heads to the polls again.
For better, or for worse, Lyster’s vote is now in Cr Clarke’s hands – see what he does with it before casting any stones.
