Byron Greens -> richmond -> banora_point_mtc

Greens shine at Banora Point Meet the Candidates

At Banora Point Community Centre last night there were impassioned speeches by the Richmond candidates and an opportunity to see them in action with the microphone. Joe Ebono delivered a clear and well-structured talk about why the Greens are good and why they are good for you - there was little if anything to refute.

The major parties then struggled through question time with lots of difficult questions coming from the floor. Justine, Alan and Joan were made well aware that Richmond is not a push-over.

All nine candidates turned up to a very active residents meeting. The
mood of the meeting and the independent candiates was decidedly cynical.
Many times, the view was expressed that politicians did not fight for
the people but covered their backsides. That money ruled, that systems
were corrupt and that the people were not well represented.

Joe took the view that The Greens offered a real difference. That we
represent the future because we are driven by values and not by a desire
for power. Despite being eighth in a line up of nine, he delivered a
rousing speech that was met by very warm applause.

Kris Budden asked a pointed question about campaign donations and every
major party candidate distanced themselves from their party. Joe said,
"Once again we have the spectacle, that these candidates standing before
you claim to be representing you, not the party that they will vote with
once they get to Canberra. As a Green I am pleased to stand here and
say, I am proud of my party. You will not find any Green candidate
anywhere in the country having to apologise for the party as a whole."

Most of those attending, even those who said they will always support
the party they have voted for all their life, congratulated the Greens
on their honest stance and firm beliefs.

It was a great meeting.