Election win may come as a shock

THE local government election has only just officially been launched, and already it feels like it's been the longest campaign ever.

With 42 days to go, it will be fascinating to see who will become last-minute candidates, what ideas will be forthcoming from our would-be leaders, and what topics will become the key election issues for voters (although some of those are already blindingly obvious).

I'm also interested to see what type of campaign our candidates will run.

Will it be positive, highlighting their own attributes, or will it be pointing out the shortcomings of their rivals?

This election is already heated and those flames are bound to become an inferno as March 19 approaches, particularly with the mayoral race.

If asked for my opinion on who will win, I would have to grab the old Magic 8-Ball. It's just too early to tell.

But I strongly suspect that while people will be closely watching as our two incumbent councillors go head-to-head, the three other candidates could split the vote.

In that case, it could be an unexpected underdog who takes the top job. 

Responsibility for election comment in this newspaper is taken by editor Clementine Norton of Shop 2a, 7 Central Ave, Pialba.