Mayor4Unley

Community consultation is important. In some cases, there may be need to do follow up consultation with a focus group to learn from the experience; what to improve, what to do next time. Here's a video showing an example. Sometimes you can get answers you don't want; or can't handle. View the video

I found the bargain of the year! Yesterday on eBay I found a used bridge for sale. It was the pedestrian and cycle overpass bridge on South Road at Tram Stop 6. Despite it being SA Government property, a frustrated commuter from Sellicks Beach (eBay account keynes8963 ) listed it for sale on eBay. The description said that it was only 7 years old and had cost $30m. Postage was $10.40 via Australia Post Parcel delivery. I placed a bid early in the day at $250. I was quickly outbid with the bids exceeding $100k. I did send the seller a message asking if the overhead lights were included. He replied that if I paid cash he would throw in the lights. Later in the day the advertisement and all trace of it was removed from eBay; probably at the instigation of the Government.

Recently I spoke in the media (via a letter) about a crazy idea proposed by West Torrens Council. If Unley Council had proposed such, I would have been equally unkind. The letter was published. Then I received an email from the Acting Mayor of West Torrens. He was a bit upset by my comments and I replied appropriately. I mentioned about 'flogging a dead horse'. And then I felt vindicated. West Torrens Mayor John Trainer returned from leave and found all of the stuff that 'his' Council had been up to. According to the media, he chastised his own council for approving several “rubbish” resolutions to raise with the Local Government Association, including: that cyclists should wear high visibility gear; that conductors should be reintroduced on buses; and that election signs on stobie poles should be abolished; and ... probably a few more. The Councillors at West Torrens had been busy, hard at it, whilst the Mayor was away. The Mayor told the Council that he wa...

I was out in the front garden; deep in the overgrown rose bushes. This year they needed a good slash; a heavy prune. I could hear footsteps on the footpath and then a woman's voice said 'hello georgeous, aren't you beautiful'. That gave me a warm feeling. I backed out of the rose bush, stood up and said 'hello, are you talking to me?'. The startled woman blushed heavily and awkwardly explained that she had been talking to my two dogs that were sitting at the gate watching the world go by. The woman moved on quickly getting into her car and getting out of there. Hidden deep in the roses I knew that she was talking to the dogs - they are good looking; but I couldn't resist the opportunity. Besides it broke the monotony of pruning the prickly roses.

Last night I went to see the Adelaide Fringe show Showtime @ Gluttony, East End of Adelaide. Absolutely fantastic. I rate it 9.5/10. It was a mix of circus, magic and music. All great acts. The magician was just, magical. And then there was the lovely (stunning) French chanteuse Rose who wowed us with her big and sexy voice. I was privileged to be invited onto the stage to accompany her on a drum. Took me back to my boyhood drumming days. The task I was given was simple - just beat the drum in tune with her gyrating 'ips'. I think I did ok. Just had to concentrate on those 'ips'.

Last night I enjoyed another night at the Fringe. Two shows on either side of town. And then a trip home on the tram. We were packed in like sardines in a can. The tram would have to be the most popular (and crowded) public transport in Adelaide. Anyway, back on the tram ... An intoxicated Asian woman got on. She was on her mobile talking very loud, having a one-way conversation. The poor person at the other end. She was oblivious to the world around her. Totally immersed in her conversation. Actually, she had been at our tram stop and had been on the phone for 10 minutes, perhaps longer. A third of the tram followed her conversation with interest and laughter. One person near me very nearly wet herself. From the conversation ... The woman had recently got a dog - one of those fluffy shitzu type. She was worried about her dog being left alone at home in the dark (without any lights on). Someone had told her that dogs are colour blind. (Which is true.) She rationalised that bec...