I’ve lived and worked most of my life within the City of Kalamunda and therefore I know our people and our council really well. I have few illusions about past economic and business mistakes made by the shire (now city). Some were out and out fraudulent and deceptive behaviour as outlined by a number of government reports and in other cases greed and sheer and unmitigated stupidity seem to have ruled council. A mistrust of council decisions and motives has developed from job losses, empty and unoccupied businesses and shops. Poor profit margins from fledgling and long term organisations and companies; unacceptable rates of business closure, due in part to infrastructure failures and greedy landlords has led to so many failed industries.

We need a change in direction; we need technology industries, commerce and business, start-ups in science and the arts. Coffee shops and restaurants are brilliant, I love them but there is a limit to the success that they bring any city. We need jobs and education; here in Kalamunda where people choose to live. Some councillors do not seem to appreciate the link between job satisfaction and family success and happiness. A person who can work, shop and pay their bills locally can confidently plan their lives within the city. We need more “Green Industry” and the creation of local jobs to see these objectives achieved. And in this economic atmosphere I am surprised that the council has not already seen the truth in this.