MP told to butt out

A ROW has erupted between Cardinia Shire councillors and Ken Smith, with councillors saying the Bass MP ought to ‘keep his nose out’ of local politics.
Councillors have reacted angrily to comments made recently by Mr Smith about mayor Bill Ronald.
Mr Smith said Cr Ronald should step down as mayor and councillor while an investigation into allegations of impropriety was settled.
Cr Kate Lempriere said she believed the Bass MP should mind his own business.
“I think Ken Smith has got a cheek,” Cr Lempriere said.
Mr Smith refused to back down, saying he was only reflecting the views of many of his constituents.
Cr Lempriere said she objected to state politicians entering the local government arena.
“Who is Ken Smith to say that somebody should step aside? I don’t think he has got a right to come out and interfere in local government.
“I don’t know where he has got his information from but I think he should butt right out and keep his nose out of it.”
Cr Bill Pearson said Cr Ronald was doing a good job as mayor and that councillors were working together very well, as were shire officers.
Cr Pearson said there was a very harmonious atmosphere around the council table with the focus on getting the job done for ratepayers.
Mr Smith, whose Opposition colleagues recently raised the issue in State Parliament, said he still believed it was improper for Cr Ronald to continue as leader in view of the ‘extremely serious’ allegations against him.
Mr Smith said the investigation was a state issue because it was with the Minister for Local Government.
The local government department has for the past 18 months been looking into complaints that Cr Ronald had breached the Local Government Act by failing to declare a pecuniary interest when issues affecting the Heritage Springs estate were discussed at council meetings.
The Bass MP said his main concern was that it had not been acted upon.
“It’s been going a long time and there’s been no result. It was the council that laid the complaints in the first place. They must have felt justified in taking that action,” Mr Smith said.
“Local government is state government business.”
Cr Ronald has refused to comment on the investigation but has always maintained his record of local government service over 14 years has been impeccable.