By MEGAN OGLE
COUNCILLOR Joe Jurisevic is urging voters to “do their homework” and seek “a different kind of sign” to guide their vote this election.
“Check out the credentials of those you may choose to represent you [and] ask questions or email candidates,” Cr Jurisevic said.
“Ensure that the candidates have been engaged with, and tried to make a difference to your community before standing to represent you and ensure your choices offer a mix of backgrounds to balance discussion in council once elected.”
Cr Jurisevic, the passionate zero waste advocate, also slammed elaborate election campaigns, and has urged voters not to be swayed by “smiling faces”.
“With the proliferation of Social Media [sic] the ability to search the internet for information, newspapers and television, does the public have to be subjected to countless self-promotional signs for candidates to be plastered all over public land?” he said.
“I doubt voters will be swayed by the countless smiling faces and promises on signs that are planted to distract drivers on median strips and road sides.
“Surely, they would be more drawn by a candidate’s credentials than how much is spent on election advertising and the ability to plaster it in every available space that can be found.”
Cr Jurisevic said he had pledged a “no waste campaign” by reducing throw away flyers and reusing signage from his previous campaign.
Cr Jurisevic asked voters to “recycle” him this year and said he planned to continue his work towards reducing waste.
“I still want to focus on opportunities for enhancing waste minimization and resource recovery.”
“I want to continue to improve recycling facilities in our region, and investigate the feasibility of locating a Material Recovery Facility for recyclables in our hinterland, which could provide job opportunities and produce a return to our community.
“I aim to see reserves such as Heathland Drive at Sunshine Beach rehabilitated.”
“I want to see Water Bottle Refill stations to reduce our reliance on plastic bottles introduced, and finally see public place recycle bins in the Hastings Street precinct with greater numbers across the shire.”
