By MEGAN OGLE
COUNCIL candidate Elaine Williams has openly declared her campaign funding in a bid to clarify community confusion.
“There has been some confusion where members of the public are under the impression that rates or taxes are used for campaign signs and how to vote cards,” Ms Williams said.
“These are most definitely paid for by the candidates.”
Ms Williams said she had not received any donations or gifts towards her campaign, including from friends or family, which accumulated to $2748 with all expenses being paid from her savings.
“These expenses include election signs, how to vote cards, information flyers, shirts for volunteers, website and advertising and all money spent has been with local Noosa businesses,” she said.
“To minimise waste and cost, I have only the bare minimum how to vote cards, and ask that voters please return them for reuse and recycling.”
Ms Williams said she wanted to disclose her campaign finances in a bid for “transparency and clarity” and urged other candidates to do the same.
“To date only one other candidate has publicly declared their total donations and expenses,” she said.
“This is very important information for the voting public as it gives us insight into how much advantage one candidate has had over another.
“Selecting a representative for any government position should not be based on how much money they have to promote themselves but what they, as a community minded person will bring to the job.”
“My volunteers along with most other candidate’s volunteers at the various polling booths are donating their valuable time so please give them a smile.”
