Eddie pedals independent by-election appeal

Jessica Benton
AN ENERGETIC cycling hero is the first to put his hand up for a by-election to replace disgraced former councillor David Saunderson.
Eddy Kontelj said he was running as an “independent” for the Cowie ward, covering North Geelong, Bell Park, Bell Post Hill, Hamlyn Heights and Batesford.
The seat was left vacant last month when Saunderson was convicted, fined and banned from council for breaching conflict of interest laws.
Ratepayers would have avoided a $50,000 by-election if Saunderson had been booted off council within the first six months of its term.
Mr Kontelj finished second to Saunderson at the 2008 council election for Cowie ward.
Mr Kontelj, who described himself as born and bred in Bell Post Hill, pledged if elected to focus on northern suburbs projects pushed aside while Saunderson was on trial.
“The Saunderson affair is in the past now and, while it was not surprising, it was pretty disappointing and costly for ratepayers, not only monetary wise but with what hasn’t been done in the ward,” he said.
“While the Saunderson issue was going on, the northern suburbs had very little representation and haven’t had a councillor.
“Nothing has been achieved since the last election.”
Mr Kontelj listed redevelopment of the former Geelong Golf Club site and Western Heights College’s Barton Campus at Bell Park as priorities.
Mr Kontelj vowed to stay independent even through his brother, Stretch, was also on council and a member of the Liberal party.
“I’m not a member of any party and never have been,” Mr Kontelj said.
“I’ll be standing as an independent because that’s how I think representatives should be: not aligned to any party and offering unbiased representation for residents.”
Mr Kontelj said his status as a two-time Guiness World Record holder for the longest static cycling marathon would reflect his work ethic as a councillor.
“If elected, it’s this type of energy, hard work and drive I intend to bring to council.
“I pledge to work extremely hard to ensure the voice of Cowie is heard and I’ll represent the residents of Cowie with honesty, integrity and to the best of my ability.”