10 QUESTIONS WITH RACHEL MAIN – Cessnock Mayoral Candidate

1. What led you to run for Mayor?

I have had 8 years of experience as a Councillor and was deputy mayor while the mayor was sick for several weeks last year, so gained confidence that I could fulfil the role in a professional and efficient manner, particularly when it comes to chairing the council meetings. I also really enjoy the part of the role which involves meeting people from so many various community groups and walks of life when the mayor officiates at their functions.

2. How would you change what has been a dysfunctional council?

I am running very much on a platform of respect; respect between councillors, respect between councillors and council staff, respect for everyone in our community. I believe you can show strong leadership and resolve conflicts within the council without personally attacking people and allowing the situation to become toxic as it has done at Cessnock in the last six months.

3. Given the turmoil that has surrounded council, why are you the best person to lead Cessnock?

I am able to disagree with my colleague councillors in the chamber, but still remain friendly and personable with them outside of the council meeting environment. I believe I have the personality and respect of most of my colleagues to be able to lead a team which can work together toward fairly common goals, despite the political differences between us. I am also young, healthy and full of energy which will bring some diversity and a breath of fresh air to the mayoral role.

4. There are 10 Mayor candidates, is this the worst outcome given that the election is now likely to be decided on preferences?

I always think it is good if a lot of people care enough to get involved in the political process. I don’t necessarily think it’s a bad thing that the final result may come down to preferences as it encourages voters to make an informed and considered decision.

 
5. Who are you preferencing?

I am encouraging the people who vote for me to preference Ian Olsen as their number 2 choice as we represent very similar values about being on council. However, I am also reminding people that preferences will be very important in this election and that their preferences are their own choice, so they should be encouraged to make several preferences in the order of their choice.

6. What would be your main priority if elected?

I would like to repair the working relationship between the councillors and senior staff, resolve the current court case and then work towards getting our budget back into surplus so that we can strategically plan for some of the big expenses facing us, for example, a new Cessnock pool, implementation of our CBD master plan, civic park and major road renewal projects.

7. What is your biggest challenge in winning this election?

Convincing people to vote based on the candidate, rather than a political party and that it is the best thing for our city if there is not a political party majority of any kind on council.

8. Why should rate payers have faith in you?

I have always tried to represent the interests of my constituents honestly and to the best of my ability. I am not motivated by anything other than loving my home and wanting to see my city reach it’s potential. I am just a regular person with a job, a mortgage and raising a family and have no development or business interests to distract me from what is best for the ratepayers.

9. How would you rate the performance of the current council and what would you change?

I think this term of council started very positively and has disappointingly ended on a sour note with the current court case, which has now distracted some councillors in their everyday decision-making. I think the repair of the working relationship between councillors and senior staff is key to the council moving forward in a positive and efficient manner. I also believe I can chair the council meetings with strength, while maintaining a sense of humour.

 
10. How do you rate your chances of winning the election?

I definitely consider myself to be an underdog as I don’t have the financial or people resources of the major parties, but I hope to convince people I am a strong candidate and that even a regular person like me, if they are purely motivated, could be the best person to lead our city into the future.