Sensational-Adelaide.com

City heritage a concern

Louise Russell

25Sep07

Retiring councillor Judith Brine.

AS SHE prepares for life beyond the Town Hall after nearly a decade, Judith Brine is publicly endorsing Lord Mayoral candidate Francene Connor, over the incumbent Michael Harbison.

She principally admires Ms Connor's ``people management skills''. And while she's largely been at loggerheads with Mr Harbison since she was elected in 1998, Cr Brine also says of him: ``I must say, I do think Michael does have a vision for the city even though it's not mine and he has worked very hard to achieve it. He should get credit for that (but) certainly not for people management on council because we certainly haven't been a team.

``He's done a good job,'' she adds, before acknowledging, ``that's damning with faint praise''.

In a farewell interview with the City Messenger, Cr Brine nominates serving alongside former councillor Greg Mackie, now Arts SA chief executive, as her high point, saying she stood for a third term only at Mr Mackie's behest. ``I think he's an absolutely fabulous policy maker and strategic thinker. Probably one of the best strategic thinkers I've worked with ever.''

``I wouldn't have stood again if Greg hadn't asked me to be on his (lord mayoralty) ticket.

``It was difficult that I got on and he didn't; it was the worst of all possible outcomes for me.''

As a council member in a minority faction there is ``great difficulty having an effective voice... I don't feel like I'm making as much contribution to council,'' she says.

Despite the lack of factional support, Cr Brine believes there has been some successes such as opening the South West Community Centre and the re-opening Sturt St Primary School.

But she lamented any progress developing the city's squares, saying it was ``pitiful'' only a quarter of Hurtle square had received any attention in the past three terms.

She remains concerned the original city plan created by Colonel William Light is not recognised nationally for its heritage.

Outside of the council, she is known as Professor Brine, a former Dean of Architecture and Pro Vice Chancellor at Adelaide University, and is a part-time commissioner on the Environment Resources and Development Court.

``It's not easy for academics to change to a political make. I wouldn't say I've been 100percent successful.'' Bowing out of this level of public life, the divorced mother of two ``boys'', who live overseas, and grandmother who spent her recent 70th birthday in Libya's Sahara Desert has plenty to keep her busy. More travel, ``I don't know where I'm going to go next'' ``a bit of court work, a bit of academic work'' and her board positions on the Migration Museum and the university's Senior College.

Any spare time will be spent restoring her State heritage-listed property on the Coorong.

beamer85 wrote:Judith Brine is to retire after the election. Does anyone know who will take her place on the DAP or is that decided by the election?

As I have previously mentioned and I don't think Judith has any problem admitting this. She is a vocal opponant to a lot of the proposed developments in Adelaide and this change to the DAP can only be a positive for this city. No dis-respect for Cr Brine is intended.

From the messenger:

City heritage a concern

Louise Russell

25Sep07

Retiring councillor Judith Brine.

AS SHE prepares for life beyond the Town Hall after nearly a decade, Judith Brine is publicly endorsing Lord Mayoral candidate Francene Connor, over the incumbent Michael Harbison.

She principally admires Ms Connor's ``people management skills''. And while she's largely been at loggerheads with Mr Harbison since she was elected in 1998, Cr Brine also says of him: ``I must say, I do think Michael does have a vision for the city even though it's not mine and he has worked very hard to achieve it. He should get credit for that (but) certainly not for people management on council because we certainly haven't been a team.

``He's done a good job,'' she adds, before acknowledging, ``that's damning with faint praise''.

In a farewell interview with the City Messenger, Cr Brine nominates serving alongside former councillor Greg Mackie, now Arts SA chief executive, as her high point, saying she stood for a third term only at Mr Mackie's behest. ``I think he's an absolutely fabulous policy maker and strategic thinker. Probably one of the best strategic thinkers I've worked with ever.''

``I wouldn't have stood again if Greg hadn't asked me to be on his (lord mayoralty) ticket.

``It was difficult that I got on and he didn't; it was the worst of all possible outcomes for me.''

As a council member in a minority faction there is ``great difficulty having an effective voice... I don't feel like I'm making as much contribution to council,'' she says.

Despite the lack of factional support, Cr Brine believes there has been some successes such as opening the South West Community Centre and the re-opening Sturt St Primary School.

But she lamented any progress developing the city's squares, saying it was ``pitiful'' only a quarter of Hurtle square had received any attention in the past three terms.

She remains concerned the original city plan created by Colonel William Light is not recognised nationally for its heritage.

Outside of the council, she is known as Professor Brine, a former Dean of Architecture and Pro Vice Chancellor at Adelaide University, and is a part-time commissioner on the Environment Resources and Development Court.

``It's not easy for academics to change to a political make. I wouldn't say I've been 100percent successful.'' Bowing out of this level of public life, the divorced mother of two ``boys'', who live overseas, and grandmother who spent her recent 70th birthday in Libya's Sahara Desert has plenty to keep her busy. More travel, ``I don't know where I'm going to go next'' ``a bit of court work, a bit of academic work'' and her board positions on the Migration Museum and the university's Senior College.

Any spare time will be spent restoring her State heritage-listed property on the Coorong.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/09/26/2043394.htm wrote:
Cartoon removed from web site

A candidate for the Adelaide City Council elections has been told to remove a cartoon from the internet because it breaches electoral advertising laws.

David Campbell posted the tongue-in-cheek video on the internet site, YouTube, to target younger voters.

The State Electoral Office has ordered its removal, saying the cartoon does not include the proper authorisation required for electoral material.

Mr Campbell works in advertising and says it is a matter of interpretation.

" I think what is hazy about internet advertising is that you are not being shown something; you are not sitting at home watching TV and having an ad thrown down your throat," he said.

"This is something that you have decided to download and watch.

"In this instance, the State Electoral Office took the view that it was electoral advertising so therefore it had to be authorised in the same way you might see on a TV ad or a radio ad."

Close contest for council top job
Article from: The Advertiser

CRAIG BILDSTIEN, CITY EDITOR

September 29, 2007 12:00am

AS A former prominent Liberal, Michael Harbison was obviously tickled pink by an Advertiser report earlier this month that key members of the Rann Government want him returned as Lord Mayor of Adelaide.

Mr Harbison has used the clipping in his latest four-page colour brochure, along with glowing testimonials from high-profile figures including No Pokies MLC Nick Xenophon and celebrity jewellery retailer Albert Bensimon.

The campaign tactic is particularly relevant given the 54-year-old's biggest threat to his quest for another three years in the Town Hall comes from former ALP member Francene Connor.

Ms Connor, 50, marketing director for the Royal Adelaide Show, is strongly rumoured to have the backing of former Lord Mayor and City of Adelaide Minister Jane Lomax-Smith.

For months, Labor has been venting its frustration at the council and senior party sources confirmed they had actively been canvassing for a credible alternative to Mr Harbison.

Yet, just days after Ms Connor put up her hand – and despite the fact Dr Lomax-Smith is close to Premier Mike Rann – Government powerbroker Patrick Conlon felt compelled to personally phone The Advertiser to publicly declare his support for the Lord Mayor.

Mr Harbison was the Liberal candidate against Dr Lomax-Smith for the seat of Adelaide at the 2002 state election.

He resigned his party membership after becoming Lord Mayor in May, 2003, in a close contest with Greg Mackie, whom Labor later appointed chief executive of Arts SA.

Ms Connor similarly resigned her Labor party membership when she nominated against Mr Harbison – but when some party sources suggested she could still count on unofficial support, Labor's factional heavyweights came out punching against her.

Such a public show of support for Mr Harbison against one of Labor's own begs a question or two ... especially if, as is rumoured,

Dr Lomax-Smith is backing her old mate.

The pair served on council together in the 90s.

Dr Lomax-Smith has been a vocal opponent of her Government's controversial plan for a permanent new grandstand for horse and motor racing in Victoria Park.

And Ms Connor is one of more than half the 44 candidates vying for the 12 positions on the new council who have also declared they will vote down the $55 million project if elected on October 19.

Yesterday, she reported an "overwhelming positive" response to her campaign for a change of leadership and a change of direction.

Mr Harbison, meanwhile, seemed less enthusiastic when asked about his day on the hustings, observing "that you never can tell, I guess, but so far, so good".

While she enters the campaign as a late-starter because of her commitments at the Royal Adelaide Show, Ms Connor should confidently expect a close contest – particularly if she can gain second-preference votes from the other two contenders, businessmen Jeffrey Wheare, 59, and Arnie Rossis, 58.

With Mr Harbison's casting vote giving Victoria Park the green light, Ms Connor is a certainty to attract the support of those against the development.

Similarly, her stand against Sunday trading at the Central Market – again in contrast to Mr Harbison, who wants it – guarantees she'll pick up the disenchanted traders' vote.

Couple that with a smattering of loyal Labor votes, residential votes, disaffected Liberals and disillusioned businesses – and Ms Connor's tilt at the top job could well see Mr Harbison struggle.

Interestingly, while Mr Harbison is backing the re-election of existing councillors Ann Moran, Richard Hayward and Sue Clearihan, his how-to-vote card does not include former deputy lord mayor Chris Magasdi.

No doubt Mr Magasdi has paid the price for publicly revealing, for the first time, that Mr Harbison had "forced" him to resign the post because he would not back either the Victoria Park development or the tramline extension from Victoria Square through to North Tce.

About 21,000 ballot papers for the October 19 election, conducted by postal vote, will be distributed by the council from Monday.

The record number of candidates and the retirement of four of the current crop of councillors automatically guarantees a new-look governing body.

Among the challengers are former governor Eric Neal's son, James, former ALP deputy leader Ralph Clarke and former Antarctica expedition leader Joan Russell.

The election, which was deferred 12 months to allow council to review its representative structure, is clearly shaping up as a defining moment for the future of the city and its relationship with the Government.

keepadelaidealive wrote:I've met all the Lord Mayoral candidates and I while I don't always agree with Harbo, he really is the only choice.

Anyone read Francene's ridiculous comments about building the Marj on Gouger Street? My, oh my.

http://www.keepadelaidealive.com

Harbo wrote:Folks, I really appreciate your support for the development of adelaide. My purpose in doing what I do is to create a viable future for the next generation in adelaide. To do this I believe we must get up to a critical mass of student,workers, residents and visitors in the city, in order that adelaide offers excitement and opportunity to our young people and presents a viable and attractive alternative to the rest of the world. Thats it in a nutshell, I feel that the members of this forum are striving for this too, so please keep at it.
Best wishes,
M