There's a Young Lib in my ward.

I read about this young 23-year old Liberal by the name of Andrew Higgs in The Age a few weeks ago.

Andrew Higgs, an outspoken member of the Young Liberal movement, has been accused by party headquarters of using the "Liberals" name to raise funds for his own election campaign for Knox City Council and other non-party purposes.

The dinner he held was promoted as a Liberal party fundraiser, of course, the money didn't go into the usual coffers, breaking party policy. It went into the account of "Mr Higgs' campaign team member".

Mr Higgs, a policy assembly delegate for the Victorian Liberal Party, yesterday denied any wrongdoing and dismissed the investigation as a politically motivated "witch-hunt" by the Kroger-Costello forces, of which he is not a part.

"The reason why the state secretariat is getting its knickers in a knot is unfortunately along factional lines and I find that grossly disappointing."

Seems he's from the Liberal Party's Jeff Kennett faction, the neo-conservative, heavily right-wing side. (Yes, Costello is Victorian, and here he is considered left-leaning.)

Mr Higgs is facing expulsion over allegations of branch stacking, forgery and breaching fund-raising rules. Mr Higgs, who is running for Knox City Council, has denied wrongdoing.

Imagine being so terrible the Liberal Party itself wants you out?

His admission to senior party officers, including me, that he forged a signature on a party application as part of a plan to stack a Young Liberal branch is a very serious issue for the party.

Obviously. So it would end there, but unfortunately, this thieving dishonest squirt is in my ward.
So I get advertising from him. Although it's not from him, it's from Knox Ratepayers Association. (I also got advertising from the incumbent, which was authorised by her, and PAID for by her, not by deceit, slight difference there.)

Here's the jist:
At the top of the page is the Knox RatePayers Association logo, etc.
First it reminds you (or is it a threat?) that voting is compulsory.
Then (the person from K.RP.A.) claims that many candidates are not serious, and there to give preferences to others, and that second pref's are important.

THEN it claims there is a "great deal of absolute dishonesty going on. It is a pity that there are some who feel the need to lie to try to win elections." I would agree, and Andrew Higgs does appear to be the one to which you are referring to.

"Whatever your opinion on local politics, I do suggest you ignore any publication from anyone who does not have the courage and honesty to identify themselves and stand behind their claims." - Agree again, the missus' was quite sure it was Higgs himself who posted it in the mailbox, of course, it was not authorised by him, not written by him, and not signed by him.

Then it proceeds to urge disbelief in those that claim to 'slash spending', 'cut vital programs', etc - it even uses the words "why would anyone in their right mind."

"These and other untrue claims such as political party involvement are being made just to try and scare you." What a crock of lies. His picture was in the newspaper, he's a member of the party, albeit with threats of expulsion.

It proceeds to recommend Andrew Higgs, how he's lived here and schooled here. And how he was so fantastic he went on a Rotary Exchange. And he wants to put something back into the area. (Although 'put' might mean 'force' with branch stacking.)

Then, and it's done cleverly, in the usual neo-con deceptive way, it mentions high rates. It doesn't suggest rates will be dropped, it merely states that Andrew "is particularly concerned" about recent rate rises.

And he "is also concerned" about high density housing in the area, and supports better facilities for the likely demographics to vote on that, the elderly and young families.

Then the last paragraph slags the incumbant. "What has she done for you? Andrew Higgs (please make sure you vote for ANDREW because there is another Mr. Higgs running, possibly to confuse the issue) is a fresh face who will bring new enthusiasm and a new perspective to representing you on Council. It's time for change and I urge you to support Andrew Higgs on Saturday."

Thankfully, he's second last, so the 20% donkey won't help him.

He is running as an 'independant'. What an absolute outrage, someone high in the ranks of the party, someone who's election was funded by a dinner claiming to be for the Liberal party, is an independent?

If he gets even close to winning, I am standing for election next. This time around, I'm already chartered to hand out how-to-votes for a neighbouring ward's Greens candidate. (On the rear of Higgs how-to-vote it has the quote "keep the hills green..." - damn straight.)

I'm fumed.