1. What led you to run for Mayor?
After 36 years as a Councillor I have learned a lot about Local Government and what the community should expect. Council is a large business and should be run as such, with each person being held accountable for the role they play in keeping it financially viable. I am not afraid of working with other Councillors in making tough decisions and that may not always make me the most liked man in town, but I will always do what I believe is in the best interests of Port Stephens and I can best do that as Mayor.
2. This will be the first time the Mayor has been popularly elected in Port Stephens, why do you think the change was needed and how will it effect your chances?
This will get rid of the rubbish that goes on within Council every 12 months when the Councillors vied for the Mayoral position. I believe my chances are as good as any of the other candidates.
3. You have served as Mayor already, how valuable is that experience in this election?
Any experience that a candidate can bring to the table is positive. I have no doubt that the terms I spent as Mayor and my understanding of the roles and responsibilities would make an easier transition for me than for the other candidates, but I believe it is my understanding of Council itself and the way it has evolved over my time there that will be of the greatest value.
4. Will it be beneficial for council and Port Stephens to now have a four year term for council?
Council has operated with a four year term for some time now. But if you are referring to the Mayoral term now being four years I believe with the right person this can be a positive, however if it is the wrong person it could be a disaster.
5. Port Stephens was the first to live stream council meetings, did you support that move and will it help the public make their vote now that the Mayor is now popularly elected?
I supported and continue to support live streaming of Council meetings and I can only hope that people have used this means of interacting with Council to form a judgement on performance.
6. What would be your main priority if elected?
Financial stability, our road network and working together with a new modern management team.
7. What is your biggest challenge in winning this election?
Being Bruce Mackenzie
8. Why should rate payers have faith in you?
I have a proven record of achievement and am proud of the fact that I am able to put a strong voice in Council for the people I represent.
9. How would you rate the performance of the current council and what would you change?
Fairly ordinary, I think some Councillors have made it their business to disrupt Council. In fact in the Port Stephens Examiner on the 20th May 2010 Cr Geoff Dingle stated to journalist Nikki Taylor that he and other Councillors would “…demand deferrals, lodge rescission motions left, right and centre and be difficult to get along with.” It is not up to me to change this childish behaviour it is up to the community when they vote. I really only wanted to get on with the job.
10. How do you rate your chances of winning the election?
One in 3
A visit to Earl’s Facebook page will have you wondering who the real person is here. Check out the Electoral Roll. I wonder howmany Community Awards Earl has received.
I am keen to see the demise constant bickering and stalling tactics by a group of councilors demanding deferrals lodge rescission motions and be difficult to get along with. this has gone on far to long
I trust that a strong leader will bring to the council the accountability needed and show some balance between what’s right and wrong and this is going to take an experienced person – some how I do not think the other two candidates can bring this to the table
J Forward, what I think you are implying here is totally incorrect. We need leadership for Port Stephens Council and this is the only candidate that can do it.
is this the same J Forwood who writes to the examiner repeatedly spewing lies about any development in Medowie. He even put in writing an accusation (didnt even allege- it was stated as fact) that Asbestos was being dumped in Medowie. It was false with evidence to prove this- but who cares? A point was made by him, worry about the truth later. Credibility= zero
At least I am happy to put my real name to comments. And yes, the site the earth was removed from needed the firies to go in with protective gear and then the people removing the flattened houses had to do so with protective gear because asbestos was found on the site. Not a lie but an actual fact.
We need to know (Central Ward) Bruce, where are your leanings & preferences – Greens, Labor or Liberal
What council with a sound mind would block such a major project like Huntlee New Town, which would create thousands of jobs for the greater Newcatle comunity?