I was surprised when I’ve got a new follower, and then my heart dropped a beat when I read the post about me on the page City of Casey Transparency Monitor, but I love to hear more voices of concerns from the community. Since that will always make us stronger together!
Below is my response:
Thank you, Ms. Amanjit Gill, for raising these important questions. I’ll leave Damien Sawyer to directly address your concerns.
For my part, I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to share my perspective and experiences. Damien Sawyer is a dear friend whose integrity and approachability I’ve come to admire deeply. I believe you’ll find his character and commitment as compelling as I do once you have the chance to meet him.
We were quite “late in the game”. In fact, I myself only learnt about the Election just a few weeks before the deadline for nomination. Our decision to enter the race is a testament to our genuine desire to contribute to our community rather than any strategic maneuvering.
The realization of the dedication and effort invested by other candidates was both humbling and inspiring. Despite our late start, we were driven by a shared commitment to serve the community we hold dear.
Having called Casey home for over five years, where I’ve been raising my family, I’ve grown deeply connected to this community. Becoming an Australian citizen in the City of Casey was a proud moment for me, further solidifying my bond with this city and its people.
I love singing songs like “Home among the Gum Trees” and “We are Australians,” it is a reflection of my joy and pride in being part of this community.
The notion of being labeled a “dummy candidate” or being defined by my minority status was disheartening to encounter. However, I respect everyone’s right to their viewpoints and hope to demonstrate through my actions and values that there is more that unites us than divides us.
My alignment with Damien and Peterine is rooted in our shared values and faith as Christians, not in any strategic political positioning. Our decision to support each other through preferential voting is a reflection of our mutual respect and common goals, rather than a calculated attempt to manipulate the electoral process.
In the event that I do not succeed in this election, my support for Damien and Peterine will remain unwavering. I am happy to stand alongside them and to represent the diverse and vibrant community of Casey, particularly Kalora.
My journey in this election, regardless of the outcome, is driven by a sincere desire to contribute to the community that has given me so much.
Thank you once more, Ms. Gill, for your sincere concerns regarding transparency within the City of Casey. We definitely need more voices like yours that care deeply about our community’s integrity and governance.