HOBSONS Bay mayor Tony Briffa has been accused of being the biggest spender on taxis in the council’s history.
A councillor from 1996-2008, Carl Marsich, who has announced he’ll be a candidate in next month’s council election, questioned why Cr Briffa spent $875 in one month on taxis and for what council duties.
Mr Marsich, a former mayor, told the Weekly that Cr Briffa spent $1966 on taxis from February to May, including $875 in February alone.
“I’d suggest he’d be the biggest expender on the use of taxis of any of the councillors who have previously served on the council,” Mr Marsich said.
“When I was on the council it was very rare that people used cabs. You might find a $100 or $200 a year or maximum $300 or $400, but when you’re talking about potentially up to $3000 in cab use within a six-month period, you know, that seems to me to be quite excessive.” Mr Marsich said that in two months from December to January, Cr Briffa spent $1060 on taxis
“I think people have got the right to ask the questions about, well, is that justified, has it been accounted for?
“Has it been in line with the councillor policy in regards to the use of taxis?
“I would like to know basically which council functions he has used the taxis for and why he uses taxis rather than using his own vehicle like the previous mayor [Michael Raffoul].
“You get a car allowance for the purposes of using your own vehicle or else, normally, you would get the mayoral car.”
Cr Briffa said that unlike Mr Marsich, he did not opt to get a “luxury” mayoral car.
“The former councillor is a Labor Party member and [Labor]-supported candidate at the upcoming council elections, so he’s just trying to raise issues where none exist because I’m an independent councillor.
“Unlike him, I did not take a ratepayer-funded luxury Statesman as a mayoral vehicle. I am an extremely hard-working mayor and work seven days a week, often with back-to-back appointments.
“I usually use my own car but there are occasions when it is more practical to use a cab. These are reasonable expenses and comply with the council’s policy.”
Cr Briffa said it was his lobbying that had resulted in councillor expenses being published on the council’s website.
Mr Marsich is standing in Wetlands ward, which covers Altona Meadows, Seabrook and Laverton.
Cr Briffa is standing in Cherry Lake ward, which covers Altona, Altona North and Seaholme.
All seven Hobsons Bay councillors are now confirmed to be standing for re-election.
