Warrnambool City councillors should take a 50 per cent cut to their allowance to help residents and business owners get back on their feet, an election candidate says.
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Candidate Andrew Squires said if each councillor agreed to put 50 per cent of their allowance into a community fund for the next five years, it would give the council more than $500,000 to help people in need.
He said there would be many people who would need assistance in the months and years following the coronavirus pandemic.
"The money can go back into the community to support businesses and people experiencing hardship," Mr Squires said.
He urged other candidates to put their hand up and agree to the proposed cut.
"If you are deadly serious about representing the community put your hand up and accept the 50 per cent cut," Mr Squires said.
"If we are serious and express how passionate we are about our local community as nominated candidates, we need to show to the Warrnambool community that we are here to listen, provide and support."
Mr Squires said the council had a vital role to play in the coming months and years.
"It's going to be a tough time for so many people," Mr Squires said.
"Council needs to look at how we can help businesses and how we can promote Warrnambool."
Last week candidate Jim Burke called for a 20 per cent reduction to councillor allowances.
Mr Burke said he would take the cut to his allowance if elected - regardless of whether other councillors did.
"The community has been paying this council the highest allowable rate of remuneration while they have squabbled among themselves and wasted a lot of money," he said.
"If unchecked councillor remuneration will continue to grow while the rest of the community struggles with the economic fallout from COVID-19."
There are 24 candidates vying for a spot on Warrnambool City Council.
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