The Cooma Chamber of Commerce (CCC) hosted a “meet the candidates” night last night for the Snowy Monaro Regional Council (SMRC) candidates which was well attended given COVID and the need to show a Vaccine passport.
It was nice to see the results of the new fit out at the Alpine hotel who hosted the event too.
A number of the candidates were able to attend and presented at the night, some in person and others over Zoom – a number had their name called but were not able to attend.
A range of issues were raised with the candidates by those present in the room including
- The Monaro Rail Trail (MRT) to which many candidates gave their support.
- Climate change (twice) – an issue supported by several candidates.
- Party Politics in local government – which was address to Lynda from the Labor group.
- Disability access to council chambers and accessible footpaths – which was raised by Warren and responded to by Louise.
- Concerns over the Water agreement – an issue raised by Elizabeth which I don’t have much understanding of?
- Concerns over the tendering of the Aged Care (also by Elizabeth)
I want to congratulate those candidates who were fronting the public for the first time and express my appreciation as a voter for the effort it takes for candidates to attend these sorts of events.
Future Events? It would be good to know what other events are taking place for candidates – I’d like to compile a list for sharing online if you’re holding an event so that everyone can have as much notice as possible – please reach out to me here with details if you are hosting an event for candidates and I’ll endeavour to pass it on as much as I can to them.
It was nice to finally be able to put some faces to names of a bunch of people I’ve only really dealt with online or on Zoom over the last year or so (thanks COVID).
Thank you to the CCC for hosting the event and I appreciated the good humour and patience they showed in trying to make the Zoom attendance for the night work, which is challenging at the best of times.
Here’s an idea of attendance:
And just in case it’s not immediately obvious – I’m not a photographer: which is why I look forward to seeing Nathan’s (Monaro Post) photos soon! (I must confess to being a subscriber)
