Klisaris rips into Zographos

Posted to Monash Weekly (6/5/2013) on 12/5/2013 at 11:32 AM
Commenting on "Monash Council: Klisaris rips into Zographos"
http://www.monashweekly.com.au/story/1476470/monash-council-klisaris-rips-into-zographos/

Grow up Paul and stop using such flowery language! Whether it is the Council chamber or the Parliament House, we have witnessed the behavioural and character degradation of the members, here and overseas.

Guttenberg was revoked of his doctoral thesis due to plagiarism and led to his resignation as the Minister of Defence in Germany on 1 March 2011.

Annette Schavan offered to resign and was accepted as the Minister of Education in Germany on 9 February 2013 after a university stripped her of her doctorate for plagiarism.

Is this a case of public plagiarism?

Monash Council says no to plan to let seniors park for longer near shopping strips

Posted to Waverley Leader (4/4/2013) on 4/4/2013 at 4:18 PM
Commenting on "Monash Council says no to plan to let seniors park for longer near shopping strips"
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/east/monash-council-says-no-to-plan-to-let-seniors-park-for-longer-near-shopping-strips/story-fngnvlxu-1226611515145

I am no buddy to any Councillor, including Cr Paul Klisaris, but feel that comments made by some Councillors are a bit impassive and have gone overboard. While I do not support his proposal in entirety, I do think that Cr Klisaris' good intention should be noted, whether it is for his gaining political mileage.

I am a baby boomer and not yet reach 70. Although many people over 70 are still healthy and mobile, there are just as many slow in moment and rely on wheeled walking aids. These people are normally accompanied by carers. I am a volunteer dealing with nursing home residents, and also have relatives in their mid-eighty and early ninety. Taking them out to a Kingsway or nearby restaurant or strip-shop can be a job and a half. It is not an easy task for the seniors to cross the roads, and therefore it requires several attempts to find a car space close to the premises, unload their walking aids and then assist them out of the car slowly.

Getting out of the nursing home is a treat for most nursing home residents or seniors require the assistance of carers. It is not unreasonable to be a bit more sympathetic towards this group of seniors under supervision or care. Special consideration can be made to waive their fines should a legitimate reason is given for "overstaying" at a parking space. After all that being said, I do not like to give a blank endorsement of special treatment for all seniors and carers, because not all seniors having certain impairment or disability have problems in mobility.

Monash Councillors get pay rise

Posted to Waverley Leader (26/12/12) on 29/12/2012 at 2:01 AM
Commenting on "Monash Councillors get pay rise"
http://waverley-leader.whereilive.com.au/news/story/monash-councillors-get-pay-rise/

Once upon a time, councillors were volunteers who had proven track records doing community work. I rest my case.

Mulgrave Councillor Monash's New Mayor

Posted to Waverley Leader (2/11/2012) on 2/11/2012 at 9:17 PM (Not published by Newspaper)
Commenting on "Mulgrave Councillor Monash's New Mayor"
http://waverley-leader.whereilive.com.au/news/story/mulgrave-councillor-monashs-new-mayor/

I hope Cr Drieberg will not make another statement again ever about the importance for her, being a woman taking the top job, whether there is 1 or 10 female Councillors in the team.

This sexist combat is unnecessary and uncalled for. No one in the City ever had shown any gender discrimination and disrespect in the past for any female to hold high office.

If Cr Drieberg's appointment as Mayor is based on her gender rather than her ability or positive traits, then it must be the biggest mistake made by the ratepayers and fellow Councillors for putting her in such position.

New Monash Mayor expected tomorrow

Posted to Waverley Leader (31/10/2012) on 31/10/2012 12:00 PM (Not published by Newspaper)
Commenting on "New Monash Mayor expected tomorrow"
http://waverley-leader.whereilive.com.au/news/story/new-monash-mayor-expected-tomorrow/

For goodness sake, forget about the battle of the sexes and have a life.

Like many people, I don't need any reminder, and I never have said that women cannot lead; so why is it necessary to make such a statement "... especially to remind everyone that women do have a place in leadership".

By saying that, Cr Drieberg is only reflecting her lack of confidence, trivialising an outdated perception and insulting the intelligence of many people like me who can make judgement about the rightful candidate to hold the top job.

Monash election: He’s my mate, not running mate, says candidate

Posted to Monash Weekly (15/10/2012) on 17/10/2012 at 9:02 AM
Commenting on "Monash election: He’s my mate, not running mate, says candidate"
http://www.monashweekly.com.au/story/398396/monash-election-hes-my-mate-not-running-mate-says-candidate/

What a sacrifice for Benjamin Djung to drop out from university just to become a councillor. It is disappointing that some candidates do not declare openly the reason they preference so-and-so or, when asked in a media questionnaire, do not admit their political membership. Please vote wisely.

Monash poll: meet the candidates

Posted to Monash Weekly (8/10/2012) on 12/10/2012 at 10:42 AM
Commenting on "Monash poll: meet the candidates"
http://www.monashweekly.com.au/story/379363/monash-poll-meet-the-candidates/

Once upon a time, councillors were volunteers who had proven track records doing community work. It is laughable today that many incumbent and potential candidates are joining the bandwagon not knowing what they will be doing and should be doing on behalf of the ratepayers, and have not the slightest clue about the City of Monash or the community at large. Some mentioned that they would preference candidates who will work to lower rates, and have shared values. These are jokes, because most of them are first timers, and they don’t know each other. In short, what evidence is there to show they are what they or who they are!

Think before you vote, urges council body

Posted to Waverley Leader (8/10/2012) on 9/10/2012 at 10:06 PM
Commenting on "Think before you vote, urges council body"
http://moonee-valley-leader.whereilive.com.au/news/story/think-before-you-vote-urges-council-body/

I have been urging ratepayers to vote with their brain rather their heart. Helping a political mate to get into any government does not and will not benefit your wallet and wellbeing, unless the representative is genuine to get in there for the good of the people rather than his/her own ego and glory.

I don't just vote for the new contestants for the sake of change or their political stance. I vote for them if they can demonstrate to me, at least in their campaign literature or in person, that they have the desire to effect changes in the Council chambers in response to the needs of Monash ratepayers. They must have clear understanding about gambling, and unemployment issues and traders' concern in Monash, and continue to call for a safe solution for Clayton railway crossing.

Monash Ratepayers Association confident of taking seats

Posted to Waverley Leader (20/9/2012) on 4/10/2012 at 12:22 pm, 6/10/2012 at 12:53 pm (Not yet published)
Commenting on "Monash Ratepayers Association confident of taking seats"
http://waverley-leader.whereilive.com.au/news/story/monash-ratepayers-association-confident-of-taking-seats/

Go for it Des Olin and Chan Cheah. If you get elected, do something about the nonsensical approach in annual revenue budgeting - a blanket percentage increase each year. The increase is well above the annual CPI increase.

I have attended several Council meetings and read the budget reports; I have watched the performance of the Councillors, and I can only conclude that the word budget must as well be written in a foreign language.

Were the Councillors contributory to the debate or discussion on rating system changing from SV to CIV? Sad, but true - their response was sound of silence.

More women up for council vote

Posted to Waverley Leader (26/9/2012) on 4/10/2012 at 11:23 am (Not yet published)
Commenting on "More women up for council vote"
http://waverley-leader.whereilive.com.au/news/comments/more-women-up-for-council-vote/

Who is stopping the women to stand as candidates in Council election? Who have been stopped to vote for a female representative? No one!

It is nonsensical to keep emphasising gender balance. This is a free country; it is the prerogative for a woman who has the drive and desire to stand in a council election to go for it.

Have men been complaining about most receptionists being women, or the air hosting dominated by female? The concept of gender balance starts from home and school, where parents and teachers have the most influence on the individuals.

City of Monash's CEO and current Mayor are female - the two top jobs in the city. I am glad that Dr Chan Cheah, a female, vice President of the Monash Ratepayers will be standing in the Mulgrave ward where I reside in. I hope she stands as a candidate, not because she wants to prove the point that she is female, but someone who has passion about the affairs of the city and wellbeing of us - the ratepayers!

Race for Monash heats up

Posted to Waverley Leader (25/9/2012) on 30/9/2012 at 11:08 PM (Not yet published by Newspaper)
Commenting on "Race for Monash heats up"
http://waverley-leader.whereilive.com.au/news/story/race-for-monash-heats-up/

I'm disappointed that I can't give it another shot at the Council election after 3 failed attempts due to my recent appointment. However, I'm very happy to see new comers are going to give Paul Klisaris and Micaela Drieberg some competition in Mulgrave ward, and Geoff Lake in Glen Waverley.

I have been urging ratepayers to vote with their brain rather their heart. Helping a political mate to get into any government does not and will not benefit your wallet and wellbeing, unless the representative is genuine to get in there for the good of the people rather than his/her own ego and glory.

I don't just vote for the new contestants for the sake of change or their political stance. I vote for them if they can demonstrate to me, at least in their campaign literature or in person, that they have the desire to effect changes in the Council chambers in response to the needs of Monash ratepayers. They must have clear understanding about gambling and unemployment issues in Monash, and continue to call a safe solution for Clayton railway crossing.

Before you cast your vote, read what Des Olin, Chan Cheah and Damian Lobo can offer us. It's time the Council needs some new blood!

Councillor calls for prayer rooms in Monash

Posted to Waverley Leader (18/9/2012) on 26/9/2012 at 11:50 PM
Commenting on "Councillor calls for prayer rooms in Monash"
http://waverley-leader.whereilive.com.au/news/story/room-to-be-more-embracing/">

On 21/2/2011, I responded to the article "$45,000 bill for Monash women-only pool sessions" published by Waverley Leader dated 14/2/2011 by saying that ".... The next DEMAND will be prayer room and special toilets in all public facilities in the City of Monash."

http://waverley-leader.whereilive.com.au/news/comments/your-view-45-000-bill-for-monash-women-only-pool-sessions/

I was not wrong, wasn't I? I strongly urge all ratepayers of Monash reject such irresponsible proposal, for this will bring division among the various races in City of Monash, which to date its people live peacefully and harmoniously.

PS Due to recent appointment to a Monash organisation, I have to forgo the contest in the Glen Waverley Ward in the upcoming council election.

Karaoke bar OK in Kingsway

Posted to Waverley Leader (3/7/2012) on 4/7/2012 at 12:19 PM
Posted to City of Moansh Facebook on 4/7/2012 at 12:20 PM
Commenting on " HAVE YOUR SAY: Karaoke bar OK in Kingsway"
http://waverley-leader.whereilive.com.au/news/story/have-your-say-karaoke-bar-ok-in-kingsway/

The City shopping precinct is not very large compared with some suburbs. Having three Karaoke bars seems far from excessive. I am not proud to live in a City which is second highest in contributing towards gambling loss, or in a State claiming highest binge drinking record.

With another karaoke site where alcohol is served till 1 am, more alcohol-fuel conflicts will occur and may even flow on to the street after the trading hours. A Google search provided the following historical karaoke brawls and stabbings:

28/4/2012 – a brawl over a girl outside a Railway Parade karaoke bar left one man in hospital and another with minor injuries
20/11/2011 - a large fight in front of the karaoke bar in Railway Parade about 3am, attackers were armed with baseball bats and metal poles, 10 were admitted to hospital with various injuries
17/4/2006 - a man stabbed three times in the back at a Melbourne karaoke bar in Church Street, Abbotsford died in hospital

Many Monash Councillors are too young and have no life experience to make such crucial decision, while the remainders are so isolated from the rest of the world to understand what is like beyond the long Australian coastline.

Kingsway karaoke gets green light

Posted to Letters to Editor, Monash Weekly on 2/7/2012 at 10:00 PM
Title: "Kingsway karaoke gets green light"
http://www.monashweekly.com.au/content/letterstotheeditor/

The City shopping precinct is not very large compared with some suburbs. Having three Karaoke bars seems far from excessive. I am not proud to live in a City which is second highest in contributing towards gambling loss, or in a State claiming highest binge drinking record.

With another "entertainment" site where alcohol is served till 3 am, and more than likely females providing services beyond just accompanying clients in singing, the City is doomed even if it is not mentioned in the Aztec calendar.

Competition is good for consumers but not among the competing businesses. When one's business and hence profit is cannibalised, trouble will flare. In some Australian suburbs, shopkeepers are subjected to pressures to pay protection money, and very soon City of Monash will experience the same if business operation like this is not curbed and monitored. Once organised gangs move in, it is difficult to weed them out.

Many Monash Councillors are too young and have no life experience to make such crucial decisions, while the remainders are so isolated from the rest of the world to understand what is like beyond the long Australian coastline.

Karaoka protest turned down

Posted to Monash Weekly (2/7/2012) on 2/7/2012 at 9:43 PM
Commenting on "Karaoke protest turned down"
http://www.monashweekly.com.au/news/local/news/general/karaoke-protest-turned-down/2609503.aspx

The city shopping precinct is not very large compared with some suburbs. Having three karaoke bars seems far from excessive. I am not proud to live in a municipality which is second highest in contributing towards gambling loss, or in a state claiming the highest binge drinking record. With another ‘entertainment’ site where alcohol is served till 3am (should read 1 am), the city is doomed, even if it is not mentioned in the Aztec doomsday calendar.

More alcohol-fuel conflicts will occur and may even flow on to the street after the trading hours. In April, a brawl over a girl outside a Railway Parade karaoke bar left one man in hospital and another with minor injuries, and last November following a large fight in front of the same karaoke bar about 3am where attackers were armed with baseball bats and metal poles, 10 were admitted to hospital with various injuries.

Asians in Monash

Posted to Letters to Editor, Monash Weekly on 2/7/2012 at 9:00 PM
Title: "Asians in Monash"
http://www.monashweekly.com.au/content/letterstotheeditor/

Some of the 2011 Census data has been released. The make up of Monash leads to my following observation and raise some questions.

Asian population is definitely on the increase in the City of Monash. It is of interest to me to find out what attracts them to come to the City? What is the City going to do about the changing demographics in terms of their needs and wants, promotion of social integration, discouraging Tower of Babel building, etc.

Unfortunately, there is lack of proportional representation of Asians in the Council. I sincerely encourage all Asians to take an active role in Council matters, stand as candidates for the forthcoming Council election and be counted.

With such high Asian background population, predominantly from very competitive ethnic origins such as Chinese and Indian, also explains why City of Monash enjoy high employment.

Will ratepayers at City of Monash learn from Queensland state election held on 24/3/2012?

Posted to Your News, Waverley Leader on 25/3/2012 at 4:48 PM (Not published by Newspaper)
Title: Will ratepayers at City of Monash learn from Queensland state election?

The number of Labor Councillors in the City of Monash is 9 out of the total of 11. I am deeply concerned about local council being used as a training ground of future state and federal politicians for candidates backed by political parties with financial and other resources. This deprives other non-politically aligned candidates the opportunity to contribute towards the good of the City and the ratepayers.

This may sound like the voice of a sour grape, but then this is a statement of fact. It is unlikely for quality and genuine independents to sacrifice their time and livelihood (including money) to campaign for a position, only to find out there is Buckley’s chance to even get back their deposit money, unless there is a level playing field. Those who have burning desire to contribute will likely pack up their boxing gloves after a number of attempts.

Better resourced and influential candidates have running mates; some are even dummies who do not supply contact details to the electoral office. The purpose of having these dummies that are unlikely to win is to preference their votes to their mates to boost the count. Unfortunately, the existing preferential voting system and non-contact disclosure cannot be amended.

Some decisions made by the City executives are just being rubber stamped by the Councillors. The Council meetings can be described as more than courteous. There are insufficient scrutiny and accountability. To name a few, these include annual rate increase, council expenses including Councillors', use of technology and most laughably the curtain at Clayton pool.

While many items seem transparent, nonsensical transparency is worth as much as the nonsense itself. It is important for ratepayers to learn more about the candidates before casting their votes this October council election. The City’s future – rate collection, development, open space, traffic management, business mix, social harmony, community health services, etc. must be discussion topics and subject to more vigorous scrutiny.

Curtailing on-call costs in Monash

Posted to Waverley Leader (21/2/2012) on 21/2/2012 at 10:03 PM
Commenting on “HAVE YOUR SAY: Curtailing on-call costs in Monash”
http://waverley-leader.whereilive.com.au/news/story/curtailing-on-call-costs-in-monash/

Ratepayers of City of Monash need more intelligent Councillors to represent their interests in the City.

Mayor Stefanie Perri is talking pure nonsense to say that “Councillors spend a large amount of time on the phone talking to ratepayers about local issues and concerns they may have." So far, as a keen follower of City of Monash's news and a frequent reader of the available local newspapers, I hardly read about what the Councillors have done or issues the Councillors have brought to the public attention!

As most ratepayers know, Councillors do not dedicate 100% of their time to represent the ratepayers, because they have other paid employment. I would be very surprised if the Councillors talk at length to ratepayers after hours.

If a Councillor spends a lot of their paid working hours talking to ratepayers, they are misusing their company's valuable resource namely time. If they operate their business, and have so much free time talking about other matters, I can imagine how dedicated they are in their business. What if it is true that they talk to ratepayers after hours? They probably value the ratepayers more than their family, honourable but plain stupid!

Curtain falls, what’s next?

Posted to Letters to the Editor, Monash Weekly 21/2/2011
Curtain falls, what’s next?

Who is going to pay for the on-going up-keep and maintenance of the curtain at the Clayton Swimming Pool? The ratepayers, of course!

Every dollar spent on the curtain is a dollar sacrificed on other items such as maintenance of roads, street lighting, tree pruning, rubbish collection, etc. Now that this matter is so publicised, the flow-on negative effects will outweigh the benefits. There will be additional financial cost on security in addition to cost stated above, and social cost such as racial/religious harmony.

The next DEMAND will be prayer room and special toilets in all public facilities in the City of Monash. Some larger organisations have bowed to pressure to provide special prayer rooms, and companies must make allowance for workers to pray during work hours. Some religious believers DO NOT use toilet paper, but wash the soiled bottoms with water instead.

While I was assisting in a project in a middle-eastern country, my colleagues and I were advised to be sensitive not to eat in front of fellow colleagues at lunch break during the fasting period!

Better business mix in Kingsway

Posted to Your News, Waverley Leader (4/1/2011) on 7/1/2011 at 12:01 AM
Title: "Better business mix in Kingsway"
http://waverley-leader.whereilive.com.au/your-news/story/better-business-mix-in-kingsway/

There are more concerning issues regarding the propsed six-storey development including a Karaoke bar with 3 am licence:

• Over concentration of restaurants / food premises will cannibalise existing businesses
  
• A lot more late-night alcohol-fuelled violence will be in the precinct
  
• More demand on Police and Council resources to ensure Monash residents peace and quiet enjoyment of their properties at night
  
• Possible organised gangs will be attracted and infiltrated to this area with early morning licence
  
• Non-existing by-laws to ensure balanced mix of business
  

Although I’m a Chinese by descent, I definitely do not like to see the Kingsway turned into a Chinatown like Box Hill, Springvale, Richmond in Melbourne, or Eastwood, Chatswood and Cabramatta in Sydney - almost filled with Asian restaurants or businesses.

Only a balanced mix of businesses and ethnicity in the City of Monash will ensure racial harmony in the near and long-term future.