Warrnambool dentist Angie Paspaliaris has signalled her intention to run for a spot on the city council and wants to bring council 'back to basics'.
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Ms Paspaliaris said she was eager to stand for council to ensure the community, which had so warmly embraced her after moving from Adelaide 12 years ago, continued to prosper.
"Within my profession, I am responsible for the care and wellbeing of patients from all walks of life, which requires a compassionate, empathetic and ethical approach, and develops a relationship built on trust and honesty - it is those same attributes that I believe will make a fitting councillor," she said.
"Now, more than ever, council's role is to show true leadership, to curb its unsustainable practices, and support the community through uncertain times."
As a ratepayer and small business owner, she said she was fully aware of the difficulties and challenges so many face from the unprecedented damage of COVID-19.
"Listening to, supporting and strengthening small business in our community is vital to Warrnambool's future in the face of this pandemic," she said.
Ms Paspaliaris said she there was untapped potential in the city's tourism sector and she wanted to see that grow.
She said COVID-19 could see more people consider Warrnambool as their sea change, or tree change, and was keen to see more young people make the city their home - something that would boost services for the district.
Over the past three years, Ms Paspaliaris has attended monthly council meetings and asked public questions about parking, council spending, CBD works and other issues affecting the community.
"I have asked important and probing questions, always asking for transparency and accountability - which is exactly what I intend to continue doing if elected," she said.
"I will strive to encourage good governance, healthy debate, discussion and innovation within our council."
Ms Paspaliaris said she would be a councillor who had her finger firmly on the community pulse, a cooperative and respectful member of council with a clear idea of what the community wanted and expected.
"Warrnambool ratepayers, residents and business owners deserve better and more responsible financial decision-making by council, and I want to get the basics back in order," she said.
"We must stop the unnecessary wasting of funds. We must prioritise the services, improvements and projects that we need above those we simply want.
"We must start making sensible decisions, give ratepayers value for money and stop the rate hikes. It is simply not fair for council to keep spending carelessly and expect ratepayers to foot the bill."
Ms Paspaliaris, who owns Wilde Dental, said she wanted to help bring the council back to its fundamental objectives, to restore its financial foundations and re-gain the community's trust.
"I want to steer council 'back to basics' for a better Warrnambool," she said.
Ms Paspaliaris is one of 13 people to so far declare their intent to run. The others are: Otha Akoch, Robert Anderson, Debbie Arnott, Ben Blain, Jim Burke, Sue Cassidy, Tom Campbell, Kylie Gaston, Vicki Jellie, Steve Moore, Mike Neoh and Tracey Togni.
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