Where we were coming from. Where we were. Where are we going!?

The Examiner's LOCAL GOVT REPORTER ROSITA GALLASCH gave us her verdict on the Launceston City Council's performance for 2014 back in January. Edited for space .... CLICK HERE TO GO TO SOURCE

NOTE: AT BUDGET TIME it is time to look at the promises, the rhetoric, the performances and what is being served up to ratepayers and the surposed rationales. If you pay rates it is worth asking what you are actually getting for your commitment to the city. It is also worth remembering  that Launceston City Council virtual spends $100 million per year and its probably the most expensive city in Australia to pay pates!

"THE Launceston City Council had a memorable 2014 - there were some good highs, yet also some shocking lows ... The council ticked off many big projects aimed at "revitalising" the city in the Josef Chromy $20 million Penny Royal redevelopment and the Errol Stewart $16 million Silos Hotel and announced the City Heart Project. Yet the council increased rates by 2.5 per cent, is locked in arbitration with TasWater over a $6.8 million a year bill and continues to groan about being a regional centre with little help from the state government or neighbouring councils .... The election itself, then went downhill and was marred in rumour and dirty politics that involved the leaking of an internal report, as well as threats made against one alderman. .... So here's a warts and all appraisal of the aldermen who retained their seats in November, as it was deemed too unfair to rate those who have been in the job just a few months. 

1. Mayor, Albert van Zetten There's no doubt being the mayor of the largest council in the state is a busy job and Alderman van Zetten is always in attendance for an opening or ribbon-cutting event. He follows process to a tee but felt the ire of some aldermen behind closed doors this year for a perceived lack of action over a certain leaked report. Never before have I met a mayor who will say, they're not commenting to the media on a matter and defer it to the general manager - why? 
2. Deputy Mayor, Alderman Rob Soward Although he offers a few alternative opinions at times, many in the council chamber would probably think Alderman Soward must just like the sound of his own voice. ... He has a long way to go if he wants to be anywhere near as respected or engaged with the community. 
3. Alderman Jim Cox As many before him and I'm sure many to come, the ex-state Labor minister has chosen to retire slowly and slip out of public life while sitting on the council. He's got good background knowledge, knows how the political game works and is forthright with residents' concerns. Alderman Cox is probably the one to never, ever, take your eye off.
4. Alderman Hugh McKenzie  had his sights set on the top job - and by all accounts he has the credentials to do it. He's down to earth and certainly doesn't mind asking the simple, blunt questions during a council meeting to fully understand an issue. By all accounts, he's liked and respected by his colleagues. 
5. Alderman Danny Gibson has retained his "young gun" title in the new council and is not afraid to stand up and raise concerns about following due process - when it's blatantly lacking. He listens to both sides and makes decisions based on what he believes is the best for the council and the ratepayers at that specific time. Appears to remain impartial on matters. 
6. Alderman Robin McKendrick The last of the real old guard, a gentlemen of the council - Alderman McKendrick just scraped into the current line-up ... He's an active, community-minded alderman who likes a laugh and keeps his colleagues entertained with his quips, and is not afraid to speak out on issues. He has a talent for making a great argument for a motion, but then finishes it by saying he can't actually vote in favour of it. 
7. Alderman Ted Sands Outspoken on issues close to his heart or just those he feels need to be addressed - but getting that support from his colleagues is where he falters. He struggles on the follow through. Very community minded and actively gives his time to those who need it,.... The five new aldermen represent a significant shift to a younger, alternative vision for the city to 2018. A snapshot of their vision for the next four years: 
8. Alderman Darren Alexander With his Twitter account Mayor of Taz, Alderman Alexander openly admitted it has been a steep learning curve but he's keen to see some processes streamlined for greater effectiveness and engagement. He has broad international business experience and intends to provide a different perspective on matters, thereby hopefully opening people up to another way of thinking ... he was also interested in looking at how the council and the facilities it runs, could be more cost effective within the city and region. 
9. Alderman Andrea Dawkins is keen to keep many of her precouncil interests at the forefront of her mind, such as her involvement with Reactive Launceston. She intends to use her involvement in this group to help broaden the scope of the City Heart Project and what might stem from that in regards to how the city could be reinvigorated but also what the council hopes to achieve through it. This could be through how empty buildings and shops are used, business opening times, as well as encouraging more people to live in the city. 
10. Alderman Janie Finlay There's no denying Alderman Finlay is back in the chamber, as she came out firing at her first meeting and does not appear to be easing up. Alderman Finlay said she had already seen and/or experienced significant differences since her first time on the council and it was important to look beyond the four-year period and put the many council reports done to date, into practice. Her three key focus areas are - help build the elected "team", develop a relationship with the general manager and the community. 
11. Alderman Emma Williams While Alderman Williams knows that "roads, rates and rubbish are important for the day-to-day functionality" of the council she is keen to focus her efforts on the people. "At the same time, there is a need and a space within our city's representation for science and innovation, something that I hope to bring to my role, as well as fuller representation of our community," she said. Her ultimate aim is to see an increased rate of engagement by and with, all residents regardless of demographics. 
12. Alderman Simon Wood Following on his successful election campaign, Alderman Wood is keen to tackle some of the many issues raised with him, particularly around improving infrastructure, recreation areas, parking and inner-city living. He is also keen to attract more tourists and value-add to events already offered in the North. "Launceston is a great place to raise children so I commit to working hard towards a positive and sustainable future for all Launceston families," Alderman Wood said."