David Ellis' council bid
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Warrandyte resident David Ellis has declared himself a candidate for the Manningham council elections, due towards the end of the year Mr Ellis, well-known in the area as a community activist and a leading member of the Manningham Greens, stood as a Greens candidate in both the last State and Federal elections. "I have once more received endorsement from the Greens, but I have chosen not to run as an official candidate for the party," Mr Ellis told the Diary. "I will instead be financing my own campaign. "I will be drawing on the support of many people who have no specific party allegiance but who have a very strong commitment to Warrandyte. |
David Ellis |
"Voters have a right to know that I support Green principles, but I am also looking at what will work best in our local council. The emphasis has to be on finding consensus on the best outcomes for the community, not division along party lines," Mr Ellis said.
"As I see it, my job will be to do what is best for Warrandyte--and the best way to do that is to listen to the people of Warrandyte."
Mr Ellis has begun doorknocking in the Mullum Mullum Ward. "Major issues I have identified to date including halting Melbourne's urban sprawl, better transport options for Warrandyte and preparing for local effects of oil shortage and climate change."
Mr Ellis sees the continuing protection of the Green Wedge as a major role for Manningham council, especially in the Mullum Mullum Ward. "We are on the front line of the battle for the Green Wedge," he said.
Mr Ellis operates a boarding kennels in Warrandyte. He lives in Tills Drive.
Council elections, due in November, will be the first since the reallocation of Manningham ward boundaries earlier this year. Warrandyte and adjacent areas south of the river will comprise the major part of the expanded ward of Mullum Mullum.