A MOUNT Gambier City Council hopeful has defended his promotion of a “how to vote” card after attracting criticism from fellow candidates.
Vying for one of eight elected member positions among 19 candidates, prominent businessman Ben Hood posted a campaign video on social media this week encouraging residents to vote for his eight preferred candidates and mayoral contender Lynette Martin OAM.
Prospective councillor Paul Jenner – who was not named on the ballot – was quick to denounce the “how to vote” card online.
“I do not want to see local government representatives end up like state and federal politicians,” Mr Jenner told The Border Watch.
“Council should be inclusive and include voices to represent all of Mount Gambier and I think block voting is unfair.
“I know at least three of the candidates named were not approached by Mr Hood and that lack of communication is concerning.”
Mr Hood said the how to vote card was not a reflection on any unnamed candidates.
“It is very disappointing this has been blown out of proportion,” Mr Hood said yesterday.
“The how to vote card in the video was posted on my campaign page and represents my personal opinion.
“A number of people in the community have asked me my preferences because they are not familiar with many of the candidates.
“The people I have named have great experience – with five of them being incumbents – while I believe the remainder have a lot to contribute to the community.
“It is not a reflection on any of the other candidates, it is a very strong field and I know they all have the best intentions for Mount Gambier at heart.”
Mr Hood said he had received an “overwhelmingly positive response” to the video and his campaign.
“It is unfortunate that a few candidates have claimed I am using dirty tricks,” he said.
“It was disappointing to read comments made to suggest the community is not intelligent enough to make their own decisions.
“These suggestions are unfounded and quite hurtful as a long-time volunteer and supporter of this community.
“I am not one to hold a grudge and if I am lucky enough to be elected to council, I will support every member, no matter who they are, and work with them towards the best outcomes for the city.”
Incumbent councillor Ian Von Stanke also expressed criticism at release of the suggested voting card.
“I do not believe anyone should do that – if anyone asked me for my preferences I would say ‘look, I would love your vote, but it is not my place to comment on the other candidates’,” he told The Border Watch.
“Every candidate deserves a fair go and I don’t think it is fair to sway people to vote for certain candidates.”
Meanwhile, both Mr Hood and Ms Martin denied speculation the “how to vote” card amounted to a Liberal party ticket.
“I am the only paid-up Liberal party member to my knowledge running in this election,” Mr Hood said.
“I am committed to the Mount Gambier community first and foremost and claims this is a Liberal party ticket are patently false.
“How to vote cards are a common feature of elections and completely within the rights of the candidates to issue.”
Ms Martin said she was “not a financial member of any political party”.
“It is unfortunate rumours are always going to circulate during these times,” she said.
“We need to seek out the truth and I’m pleased The Border Watch has contacted candidates to do so.
“I would urge ratepayers to give due consideration to the team they wish to lead the city in the future.”
Candidate Max Bruins, who was named second on Mr Hood’s “how to vote” card, informed The Border Watch he was not a member of the Liberal Party.
“I am a paid-up member of a political party, but it is not the Liberal party – I am a member of Advance SA,” Mr Bruins said.
Mr Hood is not alone in providing other suggestions for who his supporters should back.
Incumbent councillor and candidate Christian Greco has included advice on his election brochures suggesting residents who vote for him also back Mr Hood and Mr Bruins.
“People who have said they would vote for me have asked who else they should vote for with similar views,” Mr Greco said.
“I would like to see some young, like-minded people who are excited for change on council, such as Ben and Max, who I have identified as having similar views.”
He said this had nothing to do with political allegiances and he was no longer a member of the Liberal party.
A state electoral commission spokesperson confirmed there was “nothing to prevent a candidate promoting a how to vote card”.
