Kerry McKee, Tathra

Excitement mounted as Bega Valley Shire Council stakes race day finally arrived, with a Melbourne Cup sized field of some 26 starters lined-up to compete for a prize.

In the absence of much information about the field or its form, many punters found themselves forced to take a plunge on the odd donkey.

Needless to say, the formidable stallion from Cobargo didn’t disappoint his supporters, bolting-in by a country mile.

The rest of the field from all over the shire produced some solid performances, with a mix of mares, fillies, another stallion and a local colt among the eventual finishers.

The race produced a number of surprises, with at least two experienced stallions missing-out on a place, with one rumoured to be calling for swabs.

On the other hand, a number of rank outsiders managed to perform beyond expectation.

Notwithstanding the stellar performance of the stallion from Cobargo, the race ended in confusion, with the final result not being declared for some days.

With place-getters from the stakes now scheduled to line-up for Wednesday’s Mayoral Handicap, owners, trainers and all manner of handlers are out and about spruiking their charges, while officials remain predictably calm, convinced that little is likely to change.

John Richardson, Wallagoot

Congratulations to our nine successful councilors for a fair, democratic contest.

And to 17 unsuccessful candidates, by participating they made it happen.

We’re luckily living in one of the five healthiest democracies on earth.

Our grass roots local elections are just as important as state and federal elections. 

Because local government is the closest form of government to the people, for the people. 

This council election was also by the people.  

Twenty thousand local people voted for change.

Changing the system which last council saw two mayors elected, not by voters, but by the narrowest possible councillors split of five votes to four votes - then too much of council’s business controlled by these same factional numbers.

Voters showed their feelings, by not re-electing two mayors. 

By contrast, voters re-elected former mayor, Cr Tony Allen, with a massive 2675 votes, 13.69 per cent of the total, 1000 votes ahead of the second candidate and much more ahead of the rest. 

Despite this overwhelming popular mandate, non-transparent discussions are going on, behind-the-scenes – now – to deny Tony Allen’s vote.

Councillors must think carefully before repudiating such clearly expressed public opinion.

Mayor of the $100million per annum business that is the Bega Valley Shire today is no part-time job. 

It needs experience; it needs established trust and contacts with state, federal governments and their many agencies and programs. 

Tony Allen not only has far superior political support, he is far more qualified in trust and experience. Let’s hope new councillors demonstrate enough pragmatic commonsense to recognize this.

John Gaul, Tura Beach

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