1. What led you to run for Mayor?
A desire to contribute to a better Maitland for the 21st century.
2. You severed your ties with the Liberal Party to run for Mayor, why did you feel you needed to do this and do you think it will help your chances?
Maitland has a mayor who was first elected to Maitland City Council in 1980 – 32 years ago. I didn’t think it was acceptable that the community was only being given the opportunity to choose from either our current mayor, ALP or The Greens. An experienced, viable alternative for the future needs to be an option, and I didn’t think it was acceptable that the Liberal Party wouldn’t contest the mayoralty.
3. How would you make sure this former affiliation with the Liberal Party doesn’t influence you if elected – how can people trust that you are truly Independent?
My former affiliation with the Liberal Party is nothing I seek to hide from. Most informed voters are well aware of my left leaning Liberal roots. As a Councillor/Mayor I would talk and work with local, state and federal members of all persuassions to achieve the best for Maitland. When I was a Liberal Councillor, the Party never sought to influence my voting on issues.
4. You’re going up against long standing council member and Mayor Peter Blackmore, what can you bring to the table that he hasn’t?
Fresh ideas, and new perspective and the voice of a new generation. Peter has done a good job, but Maitland is very different than when Cr Blackmore was first elected in 1980.
5. Maitland is a fast growing city, what policies would you like to see implemented to facilitate this?
We need to be sure that infrastructure keeps up with growth. Much of this is the responsibility of state and federal government so we need to produce the masterplans and lobby and work with our local MP’s to achieve the best outcomes possible.
6. What would be your main priority if elected?
A booking system for a kerbside bulk waste collection would be right up there, followed closely by more funds for road repairs and youth facilities.
7. What is your biggest challenge in winning this election?
Beating the name the voters know.
8. Why should rate payers have faith in you?
My proven achievements from last term, and my business, management, and financial experience.
9. How would you rate the performance of the current council and what would you change?
I’d give our current performance an 8/10. Maitland councillors rarely air their greiveances with each other publically which is a credit to all 13 and the General Managers assistance. The elected Council has poor representation in number of women and the younger generations. As far as the council management team goes, they perform very well. Our customer service can and needs to be improved and is a work in progress.
10. How do you rate your chances of winning the election?
I am the underdog, but it is not over until it’s over. I hope to put in a solid performance at the ballot box and be a viable alternative for the future.
