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Clint Eastwood challenges voters of East Gippsland
28 October 2005
CLINT Eastwood has challenged the voters of East Gippsland to make his day next month.
It's not a scene from the wild west, but a genuine pledge for democracy.
The 28-year-old web designer from Bairnsdale shares the same name as the legendary film star and a passion for local government, but that's where the similarity ends.
While the star of films such as Dirty Harry, Unforgiven and Million Dollar Baby made his break and fortune in Hollywood, council candidate Clint Eastwood wants to make his mark at his family's stomping ground in Victoria's far east.
He is one of 1265 candidates vying for election at 54 councils across the state. If elected next month, he will become the youngest councillor in the East Gippsland Shire.
"I just want to get some good things happening in East Gippsland and give it a younger perspective, because we desperately need it," Mr Eastwood said.
"That's nothing against the other candidates but you have got to have cross representation.
"Rich, poor, black, white, young, old, that's what local government is meant to be about -- representation and looking after the community."
Mr Eastwood said his battle with kidney disease and understanding of his community has put him in good stead for a spot on council.
"When you've had a health problem like this, you want to make every day worth living." he said.
"You want to make your mark in history because you don't know if today is going to be your last.
"If you want to make something worthy of your life you have to go for it.
"I've got just as much chance as anyone and I believe life brings what it's meant to bring," he said.
Despite Mr Eastwood's enthusiasm, the Municipal Association of Victoria said it was disappointed with the overall number of candidates contesting the council elections.
President Geoff Lake said the numbers were in stark contrast to the 39 per cent rise at the previous elections held two years ago.
"Councils have worked hard to encourage more people to engage in the electoral process," Mr Lake said.
"Despite this, the same people keep putting their hand up to take on the responsibility."
Mr Lake blamed poor pay and expectations of hard work for the lower number of candidates.
"A total of 375 council positions are available, but 54 have already been filled across 17 municipalities, including the whole of Indigo and West Wimmera Shire councils.
"These uncontested vacancies mean 38 incumbent councillors, including six mayors have already been returned to office unopposed.
"We need a good cross-section of people willing to make the critical decisions needed for our communities," he said.
Six councils will go to the polls on November 26 while the remaining 48 will be decided on postal ballots.
The Victorian Electoral Commission will mail out postal ballots within the next two weeks and voting will close on November 25.
Source: HeraldSun
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