10 QUESTIONS WITH IAN OLSEN – Cessnock Mayoral Candidate

1. What led you to run for Mayor?

A believe in myself that I have the experience to be a good leader and have no influences from political groups or developers in my decision making.

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

Be a stronger leader than previous Mayors and be prepared to listen to all sides of debate and support any good ideas no matter who puts them forward. Work hard on getting all councillors working together with a common goal for the Cessnock LGA.

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

I have nothing to gain by being Mayor, not being influenced by developers or political parties I am free to guide and lead our council to a better future. I am a born and bred local who has the long term future of the community at heart.

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

No, I think it is good to see so much interest in becoming Mayor of Cessnock. This is healthy for Cessnock but I hope all candidates are there for the right reasons.

5. Who are you preferencing?

I have chosen Rachel main, an Independent, as my No 2 preference as I believe she has been a good councillor for the past 8 years and her experience will assist our new council move forward past troubled times for a better future.

6. What would be your main priority if elected?

Get councillors to forget about their differences and start working together to solve our major problem, roads, as this is the most important issue raised repeatedly by local residents.

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

Getting the message out there that I am the best candidate for the position with all the misinformation being spread around about different candidates including myself by people who don’t know the truth.

8. Why should rate payers have faith in you?

I am a local, born and bred, who knows the local community better than any other candidate. I mix with the locals, listen to the locals and always put the ratepayers first.

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

Very poor, too much in house fighting and councillors with hidden agendas. Bring council meetings back into line, keeping councillors on track and stop the bickering. We have a good management group trying to get the best value for ratepayer’s money and it’s time for councillors to start to be united in moving forward.

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

I believe it is a very open election and the feeling I get around town is Cessnock residents want a change and a person they can relate to. That gives me hope that I am one of the main challengers to be the new Mayor of Cessnock.