PLAYFORD councillors have spoken out against Mayor Glenn Docherty’s support of slashing elected members, saying it would lead to decreased representation for the community.
As reported in The Bunyip last week, Mr Docherty has supported a State Government push to limit the number of elected members – inclusive of the mayor – in each council to 12.
Last week, Mr Docherty said a “uniform approach across all councils makes sense” when it comes to elected member numbers.
Throughout the past week though, several councillors have spoken out against Docherty’s stand and backed maintaining Playford’s current number of 16 elected members.
On a Facebook post authored by Mayoral hopeful Shaun Reardon, four elected members voiced their concerns.
Councillor David Kerrison said the money council would save by cutting elected members would disadvantage Playford’s growing community.
“All elected members run to represent their communities bringing different objectives and skills to the table,” he said.
“This adds diversity to debates and provides greater representation to our communities.
“There are many areas that the City of Playford need to focus on to reduce council expenditure, drive efficiencies and deliver on sound business plans.”
The move is part of a number of local government reforms the State Government wants to introduce to slash costs for ratepayers, which includes rate capping.
Playford councillors are given a $20,630 annual allowance to fulfil their duties, while deputy mayor Marilyn Baker receives $25,787 and Mr Docherty $82,520.
Long-time councillor Gay Smallwood-Smith also opposed slashing the number of names in the chamber, saying the annual allowance helps elected members do their jobs.
“In a very fast growing area cutting the number of elected members means residents suffer,” she said.
“I don’t support a cut. Elected members work hard and the allowances are just that; they are not a wage but assist the councillors with doing their work, i.e. (paying for) car rego, petrol etc.”