We now know the final make-up of elected representatives for our Hilltops Council.

The Young Witness would like to congratulate those elected for their success and those that failed to win a seat on the council for running. Now the ‘fun’ of campaigning is over the serious business of governing begins.

The Witness would like to remind the 11 new councillors that they have been elected by the residents of Young, Boorowa and Harden to act in the public interest.

It was US President Lyndon Johnson who once said: “Doing what’s right isn’t the problem. It’s knowing what’s right”. It defines the public interest issue faced by governments, elected representatives, bureaucrats, businesses, the media and every citizen in a democracy like Australia, when it comes to how we make decisions on big and small issues, and whether we become involved. Knowing what’s right in a given situation can be clouded by other considerations. In the case of local councillors, knowing what’s right and in the public interest can be clouded by how a person was elected. It’s why councillors are now asked if they are developers. It’s why councillors before each meeting are asked if they have a financial interest in anything before the council. It’s why some people object to political parties being involved with local government, based on the belief that party priorities might not necessarily be the best for the community on given issues. Knowing what’s right and being prepared to stand up for it can require courage at times. There are often issues before councils which are highly controversial. Councillors are required to objectively assess the facts, listen to all sides, challenge material before them where necessary, and decide on issues after careful consideration. Councillors have to be prepared to stand up and fight for open local government. Too often decisions are made behind closed doors. Too often the explanations for those confidential decisions are inadequate, or leave the community with the impression that their local council is not operating in the public interest, but rather in the interests of a few.

One question we here at the Witness have been asked more than any other question during ^the campaign was; Is it in the best interests of the public to look back on all decisions made during the administration period?

Some like John Pattinson’s residential group say looking back at certain decisions, such as the Forsyth Avenue DA are warranted. There are others, too numerous to mention who just want the new council to get on with looking at what needs to be done presently and to make decisions that will benefit the Hilltops region now and into the future.

Newly elected councillor Tony Wallace said it best at the Witness’ Q&A forum when he said looking back at all decisions would be a waste of time and ratepayers money.

In Australia today there is growing community cynicism about governments in general, and politicians. To our newly-elected, council, our hope is that you prioritise open, transparent and respectful relations with your communities, for the public good.

Explain the decisions you are making and bring the public with you. The positive ‘vibe’ that surrounds a newly elected council can go deep into this next three year term if everyone pulls in the same direction. It is now up to the 11 to set a positive agenda for the growth and prosperity of the entire Hilltops region.