Secret council election war chest allegations

Andrew Mathieson
Labor candidates have a war chest worth tens of thousands of dollars to campaign at next month’s council elections, according to opponents.
But two Labor councillors whose campaigns used businessmen’s money at the last elections denied the claim, saying they would pay their own way this time.
Liberal candidate for Buckley ward Angelo Kakourous said “endorsed” Labor candidates in northern wards had access to the cash pool.
Two councillors said they were also aware of the Labor money.
“There is a war chest of $40,000 to contribute toward Lou Brazier, David Saunderson and Cameron Granger,” Mr Kakouros said.
“I hope this money doesn’t come from the hard workers of Geelong, who are members of the union.
“I want to make that very clear because I was a former member of the ETU and I got very disillusioned about what went on with where the funds went.”
Cr Saunderson is the sitting Cowie ward councillor, Cr Brazier holds Corio and Mr Granger is running for Windermere, which includes Lara.
Crs Saunderson and Brazier were two of four councillors whose 2004 campaigns used undisclosed cash donations from prominent Geelong businessmen including Frank Costa.
Cr Saunderson was later fined $5000 for failing to declare donations of more than $500 as a sitting councillor. Other councillors escaped sanctions because they were either not on council before the election or had accepted less than $500.
Cr Saunderson denied Labor had set up a campaign fund this year.
“Campaigns are not about money – it’s about community support,” he said.
“It’s about the people who are prepared to support you with putting the signs up, letterbox drops, endorsing your campaign and saying good things about you.
“That’s the support I have got in the community.”
All sitting councillors, except Peter McMullin and Tony Ansett, have committed to standing at the elections.
All the councillors standing again tolde the Independent they would fund their campaigns themselves.
“I’m funding my own campaign and I have started today to roll out my own campaign,” Cr Brazier said.