RESIGNATION OF CR LYNN BOWDEN
The Mayor, Cr. Graham Pittock – “It is with regret that I acknowledge the resignation of Lynn Bowden of the Watson Ward.
She and I were both elected in 2008 and, despite having chronic health problems, she served her community and the Shire with quiet diligence
Her experience in the corporate and political worlds was instrumental in making her year as Mayor in 2013 one of revelation and transformation. She put in place the process that lead the cultural shift to where we are today.
Wise counsel from her husband, the Hon. Ron Bowden, and his network of State and Federal politicians made Lynn even more formidable. But even with their strong Liberal Party links, there was no sign of party politics affecting her Councillor judgement.
I wish Lynn a quick recovery and will miss her presence on Council.”
Cr. Tim Rodgers – “Lynn, during her seven years as the Watson ward Councillor, was an invaluable asset to this Council. Lynn was dedicated to the people of the Watson ward, always representing their needs and issues with dignity and passion.
When Mayor in 2012/2013, Lynn represented the Mornington Peninsula wonderfully well. Lynn had the ability to connect with all people on all issues. Her speeches were priceless and engaging to the audience.
Lynn always wanted us all to be proud of being a Peninsula resident. To that end, Lynn created the beautification policy, making sure our towns are tidy and graffiti free. Lynn was also supporting sporting upgrades. She insisted that the children of her ward be kept active, fit and healthy.”
“Lynn was proud of her senior citizens, who gave so much to not only the Peninsula but the entire country. In recognition, she reinstated the avenue of honour in Somerville.
Lynn was very well connected with the State Government, no matter what colour was in power.
Lynn was a straight shooter. You always knew where you stood with her. She never resorted to ‘processes’ to disguise her argument in the chamber or at briefings.
Who will ever forget Lynn’s tenacious efforts to upgrade the fuse box at the Somerville Bowling Club. From briefings to audit committees, to the Council chamber, Lynn would not rest until the fuse box was replaced. And finally, it was.
Lynn is a great friend and continually provided me with sound advice. Lynn will be sorely missed as the councillor for the Watson ward.”
Cr. Hugh Fraser – “I am delighted to support the comments of my co-Councillors Pittock, Rodgers and Wood, concerning our recently retired co-Councillor, Lynn Bowden.
I first met Lynn at an Electoral Commission meeting of potential candidates before the last general election, now over three years ago. She introduced herself to me, knew all about me, my educational and professional background, and was very precise as to whom I should speak to in Nepean Ward to support my election to Council.
With her winsome smile and twinkle in the eye, this was advice I could not possibly ignore and I did not do so! Lynn and her husband Ron, himself a long serving former member of this State’s Legislative Council and it’s Deputy President, I am very happy to call my friends.
And this was always characteristic of Lynn. Engaging, always well read, well prepared and thoroughly knowledgeable of this Council, its personalities, its procedural rules and her tactical political skills in this Chamber and elsewhere, which she utilised with unsurpassed style.
In a broader context, Lynn brought to this Council a great depth of knowledge of the State and Federal parliaments, governments and representatives, their political machinery, organizations and personalities, gleaned over many years. But there was never any dogma attached to this: rather she and Ron very much cut their own political and practical course to ‘get things done’ for her Watson Ward community and the Shire.
As one of the progressive Councillors in this Chamber, Lynn has enthusiastically supported the dramatic initiatives of this reform Council in securing, after a 17 year continuum, Carl Cowie as our new Chief Executive Officer, initiating procedural reforms which have resulted in abolishing the complex mutli-layered committee structure of this Council, in favour of an ‘all in’ transparent, regular Council meeting cycle of meetings and briefings each Monday not before 5:00 p.m.; briefing guidelines to encourage management in the economic use of language; the restructuring of senior and middle management which continues to work through this Council; paying down Council debt at a record rate; and the commitment to carbon neutrality, all to unlock greater value and service for the residents and ratepayers. These are marvellous achievements.
To this Council, Lynn has brought great integrity, knowledge, shrewdness, and a natural courtesy and charm. We shall miss her greatly and I wish Lynn and Ron well in their next adventures.”
Cr. Tim Wood – “Following on from my colleagues, I also wish to pay tribute to Lynn Bowden. In doing so, I don’t want to overcook the goose for I agree wholeheartedly with the remarks already made by them tonight.
We, and the ratepayers of the Mornington Peninsula Shire, are in her debt for her outstanding contribution to Council and her unstinting efforts on behalf of the members of the Watson Ward.
Cr. Bowden was Councillor for the Watson Ward for eight years and Mayor during 2013. Lynn brought wise counsel and a balanced point of view, doubtless, because of her accounting experience. And she had steadfast support of her husband Ron, the former Member of State Parliament.
Since becoming a Councillor two years ago I have witnessed her helpful and constructive approach during Council deliberations. On a personal level, my wife and I have enjoyed a warm relationship with Ron and herself.
I wish Lynn a return to good health during her retirement. She will be missed”.
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