The local council election is over, and results won't be finalised for some time. In Greater Dandenong, Red Gum ward, I placed on first preferences 11 out of 11. With 1.6% of first preferences, I got 143 votes with 32% counted. I am proud and pleased with that. I expect the make up of those votes is from New Life church and my friends from the ward. One friend begged me to print things and letter drop, but I refused. Had I done so, I would have got more votes, but I would not have been elected. To be elected I would have needed a coherent platform (I think I achieved that) but also exposure which I could not get. I contacted 3AW several times and could not get on. I gave several columns to news papers who would not run them. I created a column for candidates, none of whom replied. Neither Andrew Bolt nor the IPA nor Liberal Party officially recognised my effort. I was the sole conservative candidate (unaligned) and placed last on every other candidate's preference. The candidate I placed 2nd, placed me 9th of 11th, but with three positions in the offing, that is equal to last. The three sitting candidates seem to be re elected, but none have achieved a third of the vote.

But I had not run to get elected, although I would have liked to and had a plan had that happened. I ran to create a profile so that next time there would be a support base. I am new to Melbourne and Greater Dandenong. But it is my home. I'm not walking away. I thank everyone who supported me, and I promise them that change can be made, and I will still put forward the issues they hold dear. Less business red tape so business can profit. More youth employment to lessen crime rates. Better planning so that homes have access to public transport routes and internet is accessible and places of worship are available. Don't accept the lie that there is over developed spaces without finding out where and how they are over developed. Finally, cheaper garbage collection or an explanation of why the ridiculous inefficient recycling is currently employed.