I can't help wondering what on earth has happened to
Matthew Guy. I met him a few years ago - when he visited
my mum's nursing home in my electorate. He was charming,
so relaxed and very helpful. He spent ages talking to
mum. I was so impressed with him. To see him on television
today - he appears so stressed and cranky. A totally different
man, and it's not a good look. If I was a relative of his I
would be quite concerned and would wonder if all this politics
is getting to him. And if it's really worth it?

I'd like the old Matthew Guy back again.

Early voting in Victoria starts on Monday.
The race is coming to a close. It will probably
get a bit more frantic during the week. In any case -
Good voting to everyone. Hopefully Victorian will get
it right in the end - whatever that may be.

Taken from the Australian Financial Review:

" A largely inaffective opposition with an unpopular
leader has failed to put together a coherent case for
governing, or for ousting a premier who isn't well
liked."

According to all the polls it appears that Premier
Daniel Andrews will win a 3rd term when Victorians go to the
polls on November 26th.

I've checked out the candidates in my electorate - and don't
find any of them appealing. But I'll have to choose prior
to Nov. 26th.

Hi Foxy,

Candidates from political parties are not independent operators, they are duty bound to follow the party line, or in the case of the big two factional lines. What a local MP should be doing is representing his/hers constituents at the local level, and advocating before government on local issues affecting his/hers constituency. In a practical sense that is difficult, particularly for those in senior government or opposition positions, much of the "hack" work is left to administrative functionaries (staff).

p/s We have found our local state MP very helpful in assisting with local matters for the registered charity, such as applying for a grant for new rooftop solar. I'm told the power bill is heading in the direction of $10k/year on 3 meters overall, our share will be around $5k (lights, hot water, commercial fridges and freezers, stoves, office, etc), from our almost $20k budget (excluding a part time wage which is funded separately), about 50%, seems the power of God is not enough, we are relying on the Energex God at the moment and he's failing us. I am surprised, but hopeful for improvement shortly with the intervention of the Sun God.

Dear Paul,

The only time we've heard from Matthew Guy in recent times
has been prior to this upcoming election - where he's now
gone into full steam ahead. I didn't even know who the
other candidates were until recently. So it's been
disappointing all round. I get more of a reaction from
Liberal Senator James Paterson - who always respond to any
questions or help asked. But he's not in my electorate.
He strikes me like a very concerned politician with a
conscience.

Well our letter box has been inundated by leaflets
from the two major parties. We'll be voting early next week.
The list of candidates is not very tempting. ranging from
Liberal, Labor, to Greens, Family First, Independents, and
a few unrecognizable others. I'm seriously tempted to not write
anything or "none of the above." The choices are so limited.
I don't mean to sound like a grumbler - but seriously?