It's about what you do if you get there, not about just getting there...
I have been prompted to write about the upcoming Pembroke election and the decision by Vanessa Goodwin to back flip from seeking the support of the people of Franklin, some 70,000 people, as an endorsed Liberal candidate at the next state election to seek the support of the people of Pembroke, some 20,000 people, as an endorsed liberal candidate in the upcoming by-election.
Why has she done this only Ms Goodwin can explain, but I can’t help but be cynical about her reasons. Ms Goodwin clearly desperately wants to be a politician and in her eyes this is her best chance to achieve that goal. Ms Goodwin has run twice unsuccessfully over the last few years and I can understand a level of impatience.
There is nothing wrong with wanting to be a politician of course, in fact working for your community in their bests interests is something that should be respected, but to back flip from one commitment to another on the basis of your chance to win does indicate that the attainment of the political seat is more important than what you seek to do with it once there.
I have been urged by some over the last few days to put my hand up for Pembroke and, unlike Ms Goodwin, it is not something that I would contemplate. I have given a public commitment to the people of Franklin that I wish to represent them, that is a solemn commitment that should not taken lightly. Regardless of the chance of me winning a quicker path into parliament I have given my word and chosen my path. I will not change it for any short-term gain. I also want to run in a house where if I am fortunate enough to be elected I feel I can achieve outcomes for as much of the community as I possibly can, and that is in the house where Government is formed.
There is much cynicism in the community about politicians and decisions such as this to jump from one opportunity to another based on the pure chance of winning does not help. Whilst tactically it may be smart and clever I think a number people think otherwise.
Politicians have so much influence on the direction of our community, the richness of our culture and ultimately the level of our well being. Given the importance of this role it is incumbent on politicians to not only act ethically but also be humble in the knowledge they have been fortunate enough to have been elected by their community to lead them through the good and the bad times.
The examples of greed and unethical behavior in the UK by politicians from all parties are just simply obscene and I am glad steps are being taken to deal with it.
Tasmanians are pretty cynical about their politicians too and it is up to everyone seeking political office to acknowledge that cynicism and behave with integrity. It is exciting to see some high caliber candidates running for Labor in next year’s election.
Running for public office is an honor and something that should be respected, we should not get ahead of ourselves and therefore put our interests and ambitions above that duty. Jumping ship because you get a better offer is I think disrespectful of the community to whom you seek to have a deep and lasting relationship with and it’s something I will not do.
Why has she done this only Ms Goodwin can explain, but I can’t help but be cynical about her reasons. Ms Goodwin clearly desperately wants to be a politician and in her eyes this is her best chance to achieve that goal. Ms Goodwin has run twice unsuccessfully over the last few years and I can understand a level of impatience.
There is nothing wrong with wanting to be a politician of course, in fact working for your community in their bests interests is something that should be respected, but to back flip from one commitment to another on the basis of your chance to win does indicate that the attainment of the political seat is more important than what you seek to do with it once there.
I have been urged by some over the last few days to put my hand up for Pembroke and, unlike Ms Goodwin, it is not something that I would contemplate. I have given a public commitment to the people of Franklin that I wish to represent them, that is a solemn commitment that should not taken lightly. Regardless of the chance of me winning a quicker path into parliament I have given my word and chosen my path. I will not change it for any short-term gain. I also want to run in a house where if I am fortunate enough to be elected I feel I can achieve outcomes for as much of the community as I possibly can, and that is in the house where Government is formed.
There is much cynicism in the community about politicians and decisions such as this to jump from one opportunity to another based on the pure chance of winning does not help. Whilst tactically it may be smart and clever I think a number people think otherwise.
Politicians have so much influence on the direction of our community, the richness of our culture and ultimately the level of our well being. Given the importance of this role it is incumbent on politicians to not only act ethically but also be humble in the knowledge they have been fortunate enough to have been elected by their community to lead them through the good and the bad times.
The examples of greed and unethical behavior in the UK by politicians from all parties are just simply obscene and I am glad steps are being taken to deal with it.
Tasmanians are pretty cynical about their politicians too and it is up to everyone seeking political office to acknowledge that cynicism and behave with integrity. It is exciting to see some high caliber candidates running for Labor in next year’s election.
Running for public office is an honor and something that should be respected, we should not get ahead of ourselves and therefore put our interests and ambitions above that duty. Jumping ship because you get a better offer is I think disrespectful of the community to whom you seek to have a deep and lasting relationship with and it’s something I will not do.
posted by David at
11:53 PM
2 Comments:
I am interested in your comment about not choosing a 'quicker path' to parliament.
Why, given that you do not live in Franklin, have you chosen to represent these people instead of your own electorate of Denison? Is this due to the complete lack of decent competition within Labor's Franklin camp? If you were to stand in Denison, odds are you would not win a seat. This move is seen by many as an 'easy path' - a much worse conviction than taking the 'quick path' which Ms Goodwin is supposedly taken.
Taking cheap shots at decisions made by political opponents is not only amateur, but very poor form. Given you haven't even gained pre-selection yet - one would think you should be wishing Ms Goodwin all the best, and sit back in your cosy union office thanking the stars that there is one less person capable of winning a seat ahead of you.
Thank you for allowing the freedom of free speech.
some people have asked me why I have left a post on the site that is critical about me, whilst I do not agree with most of what has been said I have made a commitment to allow a free and open exchange of views and ideas on this website. Closing down debate runs counter to my values. So there you go...
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