They’re amateurs down there in Canberra - pussy-cats of innocence compared with the wolves of Glen Innes.
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In the recent change of leadership at the very top of the nation, there was unity outside the capital that politics was a dirty business and Australia deserved better.
But they hadn’t been to Glen Innes.
This selection of the mayor which culminates in the decision on Thursday has been poisonous.
Supporters of both sides bad-mouth the other privately, with false allegations which couldn’t be printed. Both sides think they have a monopoly on competence and virtue.
They don’t.
But it’s clear that there is bad blood in the town and it’s personal, perhaps going back to grudges from way before our recent memories. There’s history here.
The toxin has been spread particularly on Facebook, often under false names.
Supporters of Carol Sparks have attempted to intimidate The Examiner, coming into the office and abusing the reporter.
This reporter has had scarier people try that one on. This paper doesn’t bow to intimidation.
Through this, Carol Sparks has remained silent. The voters and rate payers have been denied her views.
Both candidates, it seems to us, have strengths and weaknesses.
Steve Toms is a details man who doesn’t make easy alliances with others. His detractors say he particularly fails to make alliances with women. They say his mind is too closed to those who disagree.
On the other hand, he does seem to work easily with those outside Glen Innes Severn who have political sway when it comes to getting grants. These contacts, his supporters say, matter.
Carol Sparks has charisma and she’s a new broom. She has passion and campaigns for worthy causes. Her supporters say she engages with people easily and listens.
On the other hand, she is yet to come up with plans which add up in terms of finance. Her detractors say she doesn’t grasp the necessity of working within budgets.
We do not endorse either of them.
What we do endorse is the idea that Glen Innes deserves better than this poisonous politics of mistrust and private insult.
And this beautiful town deserves far less moaning.
We sometimes think that if either candidate flew a helicopter overhead, dumping bales of $50 notes to the people below, a tiny few would moan about the noise.
Facebook has given the handful of whingers a megaphone which the rest of us should ignore.
At Deepwater Public School, they teach the kids not to say things on social media which they wouldn’t say to someone’s face and which they wouldn’t want someone to say to them.
It’s good advice.
Glen Innes should ignore the moaners and rejoice in its community and its wonderful host of interesting, engaging people.
Outsiders come and think the place is great while a vocal few residents whine on and on.
They only see the bad in anything. Ignore them.
And, whoever is the next mayor, the voters will remember how he or she operates. It's about getting details right, particularly when spending our money, but also about working collaboratively as a council.
The mayoral election should be seen as a new start. And whoever wins: Be Nice.