Mayor4Unley

The Council election is over. The results for Goodwood Ward are: Eligible voters = 4,429 Formal votes = 1,069 Voter participation = 24.14% Quota = 357 votes Bob Schnell 465 votes (Elected 1) Luke Smolucha 355 votes (Elected 2) Ben Holland 136 votes Tom Jones 113 votes

Back on 9th October (blog title Ho Hum) I forecast a lower turn-out of voters for the Council election in Unley. I forecast a maximum of 25% with some Wards in the low 20s. At close of yesterday, the votes received were an average of 21.74% across Unley. One Ward higher, most in the low 20s. By Friday when voting closes, the average will not exceed 25%. That's my forecast. Is it apathy? No, just representative of the inclination of the wider community. Is it a lack of care for Local Government? No, just little interest. Should we respect the wishes of the people. Yes. Absolutely. Should we oppose the push by the mayors of Prospect and Adelaide for compulsory voting? Yes. Absolutely. They are totally out of touch with what the people want (on this matter). Leave it as it is. I fully support voluntary voting. Perhaps it should be extended to voting in Federal and State elections. The LGA (via its President and Mayor of Prospect) should not be advocating for compulsory v...

Fred is a Sulphur Crested cockatoo and lives in an animal sanctuary in Tassie. He's just turned 100 years. He was born way back when the young men (and female nurses) of Australia were heading off to fight in World War I. Fred's birthday hit the news big time because he received a congratulatory letter from the Queen. This is her custom, but usually she doesn't write to cockatoos. Cockatoos can live up to 40 years in the wild. In captivity (as pampered pets) they often live to 60-80 years. There was a huge party for Fred and he had a few words to say after devouring a sunflower seed pie. He enjoys the company of humans and detests the company of other cockatoos, especially galahs. Fred seems to be in good health and will probably enjoy another 10-20 birthdays. For more information, Google Fred cockatoo

I love this photo. Reminds me of a few scenes at Council meetings and the current election tussle. It's an exhibit in the Australian Geographic ANZANG Nature Photographer of the Year now on show at the SA Museum until 30 November.

It’s on again – the French Christmas Market – over 2 days and 2 nights . Presented by Alliance Française d'Adelaide at Unley Soldiers' Memorial Gardens, Unley Road. Councillor Peter Hughes and I were the drivers to make this happen last year. The advertising promotion reads … This will be a great opportunity to celebrate the Franco-Australian friendship, and pay a very special tribute to the Australian soldiers who gave their lives during the First World War, with an aerial parade and a cine-concert ceremony on Friday. On Saturday, children and adults will be able to enjoy a large choice of fun festivities, as well as the yearly launching of the Beaujolais Nouveau and a concert under the stars in the evening. The market will feature a great panel of French specialties: from wine and cheese to delicious croissants, traditional handcrafts and gifts. This special cultural experience will showcase over 40 South Australian businesses bringing their French inspired p...

How to vote in Goodwood (in the Unley Council election)? By now, most people who intend voting in the Council election should have made up their minds. However, if you are doubtful then I ask that you consider supporting me. It's a strange election this year. 4 candidates in Goodwood. 2 are doing very little (at least they seem to be doing very little); they seem to be rather inactive. There is a reliance on a few posters on poles without any more substantial information available. Posters are being ripped down by residents offended by the visual pollution. For the record, I have not erected a single poster on a pole. I'm busy distributing my election material and door knocking and catching up with people on the street. I'm listening to their concerns. If you still haven't voted, then I urge you to ... Vote 1 Bob Schnell Put Bob in Box 1 Your voting paper should be posted by Tuesday 4th November to meet the delivery deadline of Friday 7th November @...

There are 2 weeks before voting closes. In Goodwood Ward there are 4 candidates. When you review the candidates and consider their merit, ask the following questions. Who is local and lives in the Ward? Who is a member of a political party or has stood for State Parliament as a member of a party? Who is a member of an activist group? In my case, the answers are Yes, No and No. I am the only true Local Independent. Vote 1 Bob Schnell. Don't waste your vote. election disclaimer