Firstly although I’ve never met the bloke I wish David Cullen all the very best in his battle with Diabetes 2 and hope he and his family all the best in the future.

Now to the aftermath of the resignation it seems to be accepted a Milligan return would be the most cost effective way Council would take, without considering if the electorate could improve its landscape to actually reflect its residents..

Not discounting Milligans experience and whether he wishes to reconvene there other issues that will come into play…..
IE..The Balance of Power in Council as Milligan run on a joint ticket with the Mayor to get elected initially, and was appointed a her Vice until the polls, so old alliances will be reestablished which may upset or appear as a threat to the newbies who thought their positions safe. (Political Balance on the Floor)
2/. The Electorate Question…. Is having 2 males a true reflection of the electorate and is a female perspective in electoral divisional representation important especially when we have a unique opportunity to have 2 Councillors per division?

Yes Cost is a factor, but I’ll be the first to complement Russell and Kate the former councillor team as I witnessed many times the ease the female residents were when expressing themselves to a female rather than male and that “confidence” should not be discounted. Remember council cannot do its job without knowing exactly what All the natives are on about.
After all we are a pretty balanced community so why shouldn’t our representatives represent that balance?

Whatever Council decides, be it stay with the status quo, or give the electorate a chance to rebalance, I hope we get a person that is prepared to indulge both rural and urban communities equally on the ground together as were the former incumbents, full time without the side gigs.

Post Script.

Yesterday I achieved a personal milestone by being barred for the second time by the Murdock Press. .
The first time was in 1967 Courier Mail when snail mail normal, I challenged a editorial on a Strike and March I was involved with in the Bjelke Peterson days and it’s truthfulness, and yesterday when I challenged the photograph they are using as click bait for the issue above and stated they were a disgrace to the historic Ipswich Masthead they now plagiarise as a media source.

I wear this second ban badge willingly as well. …….