Local councils: the level of government that is closest to the everyday lives of all of us, and yet the level of government that most voters know almost nothing about. We tend not to know who the candidates are, or who the councilors are who represent us.

I was door-knocking last weekend talking to people about the council elections coming up on Nov 29.

An elderly gentleman told me in no uncertain terms that he does not like a single counselor. He thinks that they are all in it for themselves, or a small group of favored supporters, or a big political party calling all the shots. He was the most cynical and negative person I met all day.

If we cut down mature trees in our water catchment areas, we worsen our water supply. We take out the trees with deep roots, and within a year, lots of new growth with shallow roots, absorb much more run off that otherwise would have happened.

So, when we cut down trees in water catchment areas, we are catching less water for human use. As much as 50% less water is collected after logging an area!

A recent “Trends in Public Opinion” survey has been published, and the results are enlightening.

More people want social reform, and are tired of the focus always being on business reforms. More people are frightened of big business than trade unions. And more voters want budget surplus money to go to social services rather than to tax cuts.

This is important news. It sends signals to our politicians: if you want to stay in government (at whatever level) then take heed!

The 1% cut in Reserve Bank interest rates, is great news for those who are paying off mortgages. The price they pay each month will go down. If someone has a mortgage of $300,000, then they will save about $160 a month.

While this is great news for home owners, let’s think about those who rent. Rents have been going up steadily, with the constant interest rate rises over the last few years. The rents in Greater Dandenong are significantly higher now than they were just 18 months ago.

On Nov 29 we have the opportunity to do something good for Greater Dandenong. We can change the membership of local council.

It is time to replace the existing counselors with new blood.

I believe that the current counselors are good people. Decent people. They probably make nice neighbors. But they have let us down terribly when it comes to some major issues. For example: the Lyndhurst tip.