This article was written with the help of AI.
On 15 October 2024, a Freedom of Information (FOI) request was lodged by STPL News seeking data on the Councillor Request System statistics from 2020 to 2024. The results provide insight into the volume of requests submitted by Mornington Peninsula Shire councillors over the reporting period.
The Councillor Request System allows councillors to lodge service requests on behalf of residents or to address issues directly related to their wards. The data reveals significant variation in the number of requests submitted by individual councillors, which may reflect differing approaches to their use of the system.
Below is the reordered breakdown of the number of requests submitted by each councillor, from most to least:
Key Observations
1. Highest Volume of Requests:
- Cr David Gill recorded the highest number of requests, with 1,418 lodged during the reporting period, closely followed by Cr Antonella Celi with 1,282.
2. Mid-Range Usage:
- Cr Susan Bissinger (760), Cr Despi O’Connor (756), and Cr Debra Mar (677) represent moderate levels of engagement through the system.
3. Lowest Volume of Requests:
- Cr Kate Roper (126), Cr Kerri McCafferty (128), and Cr Anthony Marsh (131) submitted the fewest requests among councillors with data available.
4. Partial Terms:
- Cr Kerri McCafferty (128), Cr Kate Roper (126), and Cr Paul Mercurio (175) served only partial terms during the reporting period, which may explain their lower usage of the system compared to other councillors.
Context and Interpretation
The data provides transparency but raises questions about how the Councillor Request System is used. High numbers of requests could indicate proactive engagement with constituents or a preference for resolving issues through the system. Conversely, fewer requests may suggest alternative approaches to addressing local concerns or reduced reliance on the system.
This statistical snapshot invites further discussion about the effectiveness of councillor engagement and the strategies employed to address community needs.
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