THE first batch of ballot papers for the Truemans Ward byelection was taken to Australia Post yesterday with delivery of all ballots expected to be completed by Friday.
Voters in the ward, based around Rosebud West, have until 6pm on Friday, July 16 to return their votes by post or by hand to the Victorian Electoral Commission at the council offices in Besgrove Street, Rosebud.
There will be a locked ballot box in the foyer of the council offices until 6pm.
Susan Beveridge resigned as the ward councillor in April and left in mid-June. She had represented the 12,000 voters and other residents since December 2007 after replacing Ian Johnston, who died in office two months earlier.
A result is expected late afternoon or early evening on Saturday, July 17. The winner will hold office until the next council elections in November 2012.
The big question is: who will win?
American-born Australian Joe Lenzo,
with support from his Australian-born wife Jan, has been the most visible of the candidates, handing out his pamphlets at shopping centres, markets and other events in the ward.
He paid for four public meetings this week at the Village Glen retirement village and two local halls.
The 65-year-old Vietnam veteran and retired sales and marketing executive has gained a public profile through his website MornPenCouncilWatch, where he keeps an eye on council activities. He is a regular at council meetings and frequent email and letter writer.
He said the council should be more transparent in its decisions.
"The only way to make positive change is to vote on to the council people who best reflect the aspirations of their community," he said.
Another high-profile candidate is Roger Lambert, a former volunteer member of the shire's audit committee, frequent letter writer to local newspapers, a regular in the public gallery at council meetings, and a member of several community groups.
All seven candidates have strong links to various community groups and activities:
■Antonella Celi lists Communities That Care's youth initiative, Rotary, the Victorian Local Government Association's women's policy advisory group, and the Australian Local Government Women's Association as key interests.
■Matt Sherry's key issues are Rosebud Scouts, providing support for young people and making the community safe for older people.
■Jade Burgmann has dedicated the past 15 years to supporting and advocating for the most vulnerable in the community.
■Terry Southall campaigned for Mt Eliza Ward in 2008 but says he is moving to Truemans Ward. He is pushing to reduce the shire's $42million debt.
■James Taylor polled well in the 2007 Truemans byelection but Susan Beveridge defeated him on preferences. He has a good grip on ward issues and lists men's health, education and local job opportunities as key interests.
■Information about all seven candidates is on the VEC website at www.vec
.vic.gov.au This includes voting preferences that show which candidates support whom.
Ross Daniels of VEC said if voters had not received a voting pack, which contains the ballot paper and information from the seven candidates, by next Wednesday, they should call the VEC on 131832.
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