Do you think that Australian city and shire councils have gone mad with power?

Question

This is probably more related to Australia than other countries as I don't know their internal politics, but all welcome to answer. My own thoughts are that since land values have trebled and rates accordingly, the councils who are supposed to represent the landowners have become Dictators.

Answer 1

I think that Aussie Councils and shires are not working in the best interest of the rate payers it is a fact that people who have got an elected position are prone to want to keep that position and in most cases I am finding that more money and more time is being spent on the big picture of getting back next time have a good look at how many grants are being given out and to which groups mostly they go to self interest groups whose leaders hand out on election days Good Luck I was a Councilor in the good old days when we got back in on our merits. They can only have the power that State Government gives them.

Answer 2

In some cases yes but as a general rule they aren't too bad, given the overall limited powers thay have.