Winners - and losers

The weekend council elections are over.  The votes have been counted and the winners have broken out the champagne - and the losers are thinking of what might have been.   As is usually the case, the number of contenders for a seat on council far outweigh the positions available.

In previous election years " party politics " played a big role.  This time around many candidates dodged using a party logo on their advertising and instead claimed to be an " independent ".    The political scene is volatile and as a result the tendency to vote along party lines is no longer a sure recipe for success.

Many a past political career got under way at a council election.   The formula  was tried and true.   Get elected to the local council and get your picture in the local paper as often as possible.   Create an image as a " mover and shaker " - and make sure that you do not stray far from the party line.   That usually ensures that you will head the list of applicants when a seat at state or Federal level becomes vacant.

It is said that every foot soldier has a Field Marshall's baton in his knapsack.  Most of those with political ambitions hope to rise through the ranks and move from backbencher to a ministerial role - and then perhaps to that exalted position of premier or prime minister.   Many aspire - but few are chosen !

Being elected to public office means a change of lifestyle for the aspiring politician, his or her spouse and any children.   A new councillor may expect constituents to call or phone at the most inconvenient moments - and they expect their representative to tend to their grievances.   The entire family is judged by a new set of values.   Controversy and scandal must be avoided - at all costs.

So - for those taking their place on council for the first time - welcome to life in the public spotlight.   You are now a minor celebrity and whatever you do or say will become part of the public record - and will certainly come back to haunt you further down the track !     There are people who will vilify you, nomatter how reasonable you try to be - and every decision you make will be examined, dissected and probed for evidence of personal gain with merciless disregard for the truth !

Whatever your motives for standing for council, you have just started a totally new phase of your life.   From this moment forward the majority of people will regard you as a " political wannabe " !