Feeling strongly about one issue because you really want to make a difference is a common reason to enter politics. But politicians cannot control what issues they have to tackle. Local government is probably the best example, because it involves local issues that the community is usually aware of, and can, at times, be a cauldron of differing opinion. 

Inverell Shire Council’s Town Centre Renewal Plan is a good example of differing opinion. It was narrowly passed, but, however narrow the margin was, it was passed by the majority councillors.

That’s the way government works, and that is why entering the political arena for the wrong reasons can be so heartbreakingly demoralising for those who would change the world.

Concerned Inverell Ratepayers Association (CIRA) is trying to have parts of the plan changed because its members don’t consider them to be in the town’s best interest. The problem is CIRA seems to want all its suggestions adopted, and has said it will run candidates in the next council election to achieve that. 

Mayor Paul Harmon has welcomed their decision to do so. As an experienced councillor, he knows how ineffective one or two voices in many can be. The individuals can sit there, be outvoted and have to endure decisions that have nothing to do with what they would like to see. 

Back when Inverell had 12 councillors before the last election, one who was retiring joked at his final meeting that he held the record for being voted down 11 to 1, so it does happen. 

That’s where politics comes into play, but part of being a good politician is knowing when to remain silent, when to negotiate, when to compromise and, probably most importantly, how to work with people you may not particularly like.

There is also a time to make a noise (especially in state of federal politics) to bring something to everyone’s attention, that done, it is time to negotiate; talk to people and get the best result you can for your cause, and that usually involves compromise and not making your fight personal.