For three and a half years I have chosen not to respond in writing to any of the public criticisms of my husband Cr Derek Swanborough, made by Mayor John Brent, Councillors of SRRC or members of the public for many reasons including my belief in the rights of individuals to express their opinions.
For the information of readers, we have attached a photograph of Sue Swanborough. This has been inserted by the Editors at their sole discretion.
This is a
link to a video featuring a speech made by Sue Swanborough in support of her husband at his mayoral launch.
EDITOR
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| Sue Swanborough pictured at the Homes of Hope in Fiji, where she spent a month mentoring single mothers and abused women. Homes of Hope provides training in parenting and marriage, small business and Christian discipleship. This Fijian initiative was generously supported by many in the Tamborine Mountain community. |
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Tamborine Mountain is indeed a community where strong opinions are expressed about issues of concern, and rightly so.
If we value our community we should speak out on such issues.
However some more recent criticisms of my husband have become more about attacking his character than about criticising his opinions or arguments.
I have finally decided to speak out.
Firstly in response to Jaap Vogel’s parting comments in the TM news of 6th September – “SELF-GLORIFICATION IS THE WORST FEATURE FOR ANYBODY SEEKING A RELEVANT POSITION IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT”.
I couldn’t agree more. There is not a hint of such in Derek’s behaviour.
He has spoken up on issues of importance to the region solely because he seeks to serve this region in the best possible manner by listening to resident’s issues and also based on his expertise and experience of over 30 years in local government, and his local knowledge and understanding of the region.
Mr Vogel goes on to say that the Mountain is “A nature-based, inspired, caring, positive and cultural community, with respect for different opinions” and “the challenge is to work together and get the best outcomes.”
Yes it is a wonderful community with diverse opinions. That is exactly why Derek has chosen to speak out on a range of issues, to help preserve what our communities' value.
He has worked tirelessly, and gone into bat for many other communities and individuals and businesses in our region.
Secondly, in response to Richard Adam’s comments in his column Tamborine Times 8th September – “IT IS A BETTER OUTCOME FOR THE COMMUNITY THAT I SUBLIMATE MY EGO FOR THE COMMON GOOD”. (When commenting on Cr comments in the newspapers).
I agree there is no place for ego to come before the good of the people of our region. From one who knows Derek’s personality and disposition best, I assure all residents that Ego plays no part in my husband’s conduct as a Councillor or in fact as a husband, or father or friend.
Thirdly, in response to the MANTRA – “ALL COUNCILLORS EXCEPT FOR ONE ARE WORKING TOGETHER IN UNITY FOR THE BETTERMENT OF THE REGION” Mayor John Brent Beaudesert Times 7th September, but is “ACTING AGAINST THE INTERESTS OF GOOD GOVERNANCE IN THE REGION” – Greg Hoffman Acting CEO Local Government Association of Queensland, Beaudesert Times 7th September 2011-- sound the same?
What nonsense. There is no self-interest involved in any of his actions.
My husband believes that the residents of this region are the priority not the bureaucracy and he will continue to stand up and be counted for the good of this region. It is a much easier option to just maintain the status quo and follow the herd.
Interesting isn’t it, that this MANTRA, has surfaced since Derek announced he was running for Mayor on the platform of “A Council for the People, Change for the Better and with policy pillars, including transparent decision making, genuine community consultation and fairer, lower rate rises.
That really sounds like “ACTING AGAINST THE INTEREST OF THE REGION”, doesn’t it?
Derek has demonstrated time and time again that at the risk of his own popularity with the bureaucracy and Councillor colleagues, he will represent residents without fear or favour.
Sue Swanborough (Mrs Swany)
Mount Tamborine