JOHN BROWN – THE GREENS
The Greens offer a cleaner future, by ending the rush into coal seam gas at the expense of our farming community, protecting our precious water supplies from toxic chemicals and focusing on renewable energy where the jobs of the future will be.
The toxic spill at the RAAF Base in Williamtown has been an absolute disgrace – a tragedy in human and environmental terms. My priority would be to see the local residents fully compensated for their losses and medical checks for their children. The environment should be cleaned up immediately including the waterways where fishermen and other businesses have been directly effected.It is time to start putting ordinary people and their lives first.
Also top of the list would be jobs, jobs and jobs. Good jobs for our young people from renewable energy. Our electorate has a very high unemployment rate and a devastating youth unemployment rate of around 20%. The Greens are committed to looking after young people.
MERYL SWANSON – LABOR
I was born in Kurri Hospital and grew up with my family in Heddon Greta. Mum and Dad worked hard and I understand the pressures that ordinary families face.
I’m proud to have lived and worked in our area throughout my life. Now, my husband Nick and I are raising our two daughters here.
I love our community and I’ve enjoyed promoting our region, its people and asking the tough questions via my radio programs on 2HD and 2NUR.
We need action on youth unemployment, a proper NBN and we need a strong advocate to stand up for our community on the Mambo Wetlands, the Williamtown contamination scandal, and to oppose the forced mergers of our local councils.
As a local I understand the importance of good roads and infrastructure. That’s why I got the ball rolling by announcing $10 million dollars towards fixing the road at Testers Hollow.
I understand the value of a strong healthcare system, with fully funded hospitals and a completely public Medicare system. You shouldn’t need to be wealthy to be healthy like the American system.
Education and training are critical for our region and if our children are going to be able to compete in a global marketplace, well-funded schools are vital.
Youth unemployment in our area is a real and pressing issue. Getting our young people into work and or proper training/education programs is the only way to ensure the prosperity of our region.
I have put my hand up because I want to champion the needs of our community.
If I’m elected to represent Paterson in Parliament, rest assured I will continue to use my local knowledge to work hard every day to make sure our community gets its fair share.
PETER DAVIS – CITIZENS ELECTORAL COUNCIL
KAREN HOWARD – LIBERAL
I’m a proud small businessperson and mother of Max aged 10.
After completing my School Certificate in 1983 at Maitland Girls’ High School, I worked for a local small business and then in the public and private sectors for 14 years.
For 17 years I have run my own small businesses whilst simultaneously working for community, Not-for-profit, State and Federal Government Boards, and contributing to vital change in our region to ensure families have real job opportunities and access to first-class health, education services and jobs.
PETER ARENA – CHRISTIAN DEMOCRATIC PARTY (FRED NILE GROUP)
With the combination of excellent communication and negotiation skills, I have been able to deliver outstanding results for those I represent.
My working career has included an apprenticeship in the building and plumbing industries. Running my own successful plumbing & draining business for more than 10 years.
I have gained expertise from working in drafting, kitchen and bathroom design, followed by sales and marketing assignments of various products at many levels.
From a wide experience in real estate, I deliver great results to my clients. I value the level of trust afforded me from them. Over the last 40 years I have been a worship leader, scripture teacher, assistant pastor, christian radio host, the chapter president Port Stephens for the Full Gospel Business Men & MC for Fred Nile. I have been married: I have three children & three grand children.
When I met the Nile’s again recently I was asked to run as the candidate for Port Stephens.
If elected I will apply the principled set out in our charter which stands for god in government and in decision making.
OTHER CANDIDATES:
GRAHAM BURSTON – PAULINE HANSON’S ONE NATION
BRIAN CLARE – RISE UP AUSTRALIA PARTY
