Warrnambool City Council election rave gets under way

Ms Thompson told The Standard she had been considering running for council for many years, but the circumstances were never right. 

She said she planned to hold her announcement until later in the year, but events at Monday night’s council meeting pushed her to throw her hat into the ring earlier than anticipated. 

“We reached an all time low for democracy in our city on Monday night,” she said. 

“My husband and I have been going to council meetings on and off for seven years, I’ve never seen time limits put on debates, I find it appalling. 

“If people are taking the time to attend council meetings, they deserve and have the right to hear the full debate.” 

Mrs Thompson and husband Dave ran the Fairy Street Newsagency from 2003 to 2011.

She said it was roundabout works in 2009 that got them actively involved with the city council. 

She said communication from the council at the time was a letter dropped on the counter, with no explanation or opportunity to provide feedback. 

“The work was done during the lead up to Christmas and it just devastated our trade,” she said. 

“I know what the traders are going through when they are trying to tackle issues.” 

Mrs Thompson said she wanted the lines of communication between council and the community to be open and for residents’ concerns not only to be listened to, but taken on board. 

She also wants to see the council united for the betterment of the city, adding the division in the chamber was one of Warrnambool’s biggest issues. 

With local government becoming more politicised, Mrs Thompson said she had no allegiance or affiliation with a political party and had no desire to run for state or federal parliament.  

"I’m one of the true swinging voters,” Mrs Thompson said. 

“I make my mind up based on campaigns and what is best for my local area.

“I want to bring a balanced view to the chamber.”