In the lead-up to the local government elections on September 8, the association has formed into a political party and announced it will run three group tickets to represent each of the shire’s major towns.

Today is the cut-off date to nominate for the elections and the ERA party – Eurobodalla Ratepayers Action - says the only way to change coun-cil’s attitude towards ratepayers is to get members onto council.

The Batemans Bay ticket will be led by Milton Leslight, and will include Michele Cameron, Ron Gifford, Peter Ryan, Robbie Law and Jenny Shepheard standing on the ticket respectively.

In Moruya, Peter Schwarz, Liz Innes, Michael Beashel, John Clout and Tubby Harrison will stand in that order, while Neil Burnside, Garry Smith, April Creed, Peter Wilkins and Joe Potts will represent Narooma.

“We desperately need a change,” Mr Leslight said.

He said over the past years, council had given an extra $100,000 cash bonus and car to a former general manager, awarded bonuses and holidays to the current general manager, and awarded themselves a pay rise.

“All this while threatening to close swimming pools, tennis courts and libraries and attempting to increase our rates,” he said.

Meanwhile, Moruya candidate Peter Schwarz said a large spread of candidates was needed.

“The fact that so many people have put their hands up to stand shows how fed up the community is with the current council,” he said.

Fellow ERA member Ron Gifford said the party believed council was broken and needed fixing from the first point of contact with ratepayers.

“We are dedicated to creating a ‘can do council’,” he said.

Mr Leslight said decisions needed to be made.

“We will make them, but that will only occur after thorough investigation of both sides of the argument.

“We are not afraid to challenge the senior staff.

“We can respect their opinions without bowing to them; at the end of the day they work for us, we don’t work for them.”

See Friday’s Bay Post for a full list of candidates.