Saunderson’s pay-back day

Andrew Mathieson
A CONVICTED Geelong councillor has received more than $12,000 from ratepayers without sitting on council.
But David Saunderson, who was found guilty on two conflict of interest charges, could be forced to pay back some of his councillor allowance.
A City spokesperson told the Independent that Saunderson “would be required” to reimburse money from the $6594.50 paid in advance at the end of September for the next three months.
The spokesperson said Saunderson was “not in breach” of the Local Government act even though he was still holding payment for December but was banned from council before the end of November.
Saunderson would have to cough up about $2600 for the remaining 36 days of the financial quarter since council cut off access to his allowance.
He was absent from council for 169 days until a court banned him last week.
He had missed a dozen council meetings and as many councillor briefings.
The Independent revealed earlier this year that he was still earning his councillor “allowance” despite standing down from his duties.
Saunderson stepped down after failing to declare a conflict of interest in a vote on a matter involving a company that contributed money to his 2004 council election and after failing to leave council chambers during the vote on Lascorp’s plans.
A court last week demanded Cr Saunderson pay $15,000 in court costs and a $3000 fine.
The northern suburbs’ councillor was banned from sitting on any Victorian council for seven years.
Saunderson has applied for the City’s indemnity insurance policy to cover his court costs.
He told the Independent last week after leaving court that he was “considering his options”.
Ratepayers also face a $50,000 by-election to replace Saunderson.
Geelong Mayor John Mitchell defended Saunderson’s right to delay the by-election if he chose to appeal his conviction.
“The reality is everyone is entitled to have their day in the court – that’s just our democratic system,” he said.
“We certainly have to give all opportunities to anyone to follow the legal process.”
Further delays could mean Bell Park, Bell Post Hill, Norlane and North Geelong residents will be without a voice on council for close to a year.
Cr Mitchell said he was “more than happy to take any calls” about issues in Saunderson’s former ward.
The mayor ruled out appointing an interim councillor to ensure residents were represented.
“The reality is that their representative has been sacked,” Cr Mitchell said.
“Until there is a by-election they won’t have an actual ward councillor.”