tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70287988927673723472011-04-21T17:35:07.645-07:00Liz Leveridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081418436969565949noreply@blogger.comBlogger11100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7028798892767372347.post-86137209993348835412008-10-30T04:14:00.000-07:002008-11-01T00:56:11.362-07:00<span style="font-family:arial;">Dear Neighbour,<br /><br />My name is Liz Leveridge and I’m standing for election to the Darebin City Council. I’m seeking your support to help make some positive changes in our community. With your help, my mission is to deliver affordable, if not lower, rates and better local services.<br /><br />I have lived in Darebin all my life, and am married with two children. My home is here, I shop here, my kids are schooled here, and my husband coaches local football. We are a working family. I have experience in business and the health care industry, including working with the aged and those with disabilities. As such I understand the need to improve the accountability and quality of services of our Council.<br /><br />I have no party affiliations and am passionate that our community comes first.<br />I believe local Council and our local community should not be sacrificed for party politics.<br /><br />My sense of duty is to ensure our Council spends wisely and where it counts – making the lives of Darebin residents better, and providing the foundation for a thriving, diverse, and community spirited future.<br /><br />What do I want to achieve if elected?<br /><br /><strong>Ask the hard questions </strong></span><br /><ul><li><span style="font-family:arial;">Why State Government decreased funding to Darebin from 50% to approximately 20% in recent times. </span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;">How much does the state govt collect in gambling taxes in the city of Darebin – and how much is returned in the form of services to Darebin? </span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;">Is party politics making decisions that affect our community? </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong></strong></span></li></ul><p><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>Reduce costs and wastage</strong> </span></p><ul><li><span style="font-family:arial;">Vigorously examine Council budgets, plans and expenditure to look for greater efficiencies. </li></ul></span><p><strong><span style="font-family:arial;">Increase quality services </span></strong></p><ul><li><span style="font-family:arial;">Improve support services for our aged and disadvantaged residents </span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;">Improve childcare and family services availability</span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;">Introduce practical and meaningful services for residents (eg. re-introduce regular hard rubbish collections)</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>Increase State Government funding to pay for better local services – not just from rates.</strong> </span></p><ul><li><span style="font-family:arial;">Lobby Darebin Parliamentarians to increase State Government funding to Darebin which has fallen in recent times. </span></li></ul><p><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>Increase accountability to residents</strong> </span></p><ul><li><span style="font-family:arial;">Twice yearly report to residents on progress - not just at election time </span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;">Cost benefit analysis of all major Council expenditure and published on the Council website.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;">Provide an open channel mechanism for residents and businesses to have their say on any Council related issues. </span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;">Implement a consultative process with residents and businesses regarding traffic management including the new clearway proposals </li></ul></span><strong><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></strong><p><strong><span style="font-family:arial;">Achieve a greener and better Darebin </span></strong></p><ul><li><span style="font-family:arial;">Conduct a Green Audit of Council to reduce costs and waste, to achieve carbon neutrality and a greener Council </span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;">Protect our environment from unnecessary development. </span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;">Understand the issues of the future Darebin and plan facilities appropriately.</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><u>I want to hear from you</u></strong><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;">This is your Council and as your potential representative, I want to hear from you about the issues that concern you. You should have your say and I want to listen. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;">Email me on </span><a href="mailto:liz.leveridge@optusnet.com.au"><span style="font-family:arial;">liz.leveridge@optusnet.com.au</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span><span style="font-family:arial;">or call me on 0421 331 511.<br /><br />I am committed to representing you with courage and care, common sense, and with the all understanding that my experience can bring.<br /><br />LIZ LEVERIDGE </span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7028798892767372347-8613720999334883541?l=liz-leveridge.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Liz Leveridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14081418436969565949noreply@blogger.com4