Richmond Valley Notes

with Therese Schier

Race for mayor

Familiar rivals Charlie Cox and Col Sullivan will both battle for the Mayoral job at next month's council election.

It's the first time Richmond Valley residents get to choose the mayor they want. The winner scores the role for four years - previously, the councillors voted annually for the mayor.

Councillors Cox and Sullivan have both held the top job.

Cr Sullivan was elected mayor when the council was amalgamated in 2000, only to lose the title last year when a tied vote and Cr Cox's name was drawn 'out of the hat'.

Mayor Cox believes his record will help.

"I feel I'm achieving something," he said.

Cr Sullivan is responding to popular demand.

"I've been approached by so many members of the public to stand," he said.

What you want

With nominations open until the end of next week, Notes went to find out what business and community groups look for in candidates.

The general consensus is that most people are satisfied with the performance of the outgoing council, but many want one with progressive and proactive outlooks.

Casino Chamber of Commerce president Janni Stevens thinks they need 'to keep things on the boil'.

"I think council has done an admirable job in bringing Casino to where it is now. Casino is set to boom and we need a forward thinking group to take it forward," she said.

Evans Head real estate agent Brian O'Farrell also wants progress in his coastal paradise.

"We need a progressive sort of candidate; someone who's going to promote the town. We want someone who will push through the sewerage issue; it just doesn't seem to be happening," he said.

Mid Richmond Neighbourhood Centre manager Gretchen Young wants a more serious look at social and community issues.

"I think they've addressed these in a legislative form but not practically. I'd also like to see council develop a council employment policy for indigenous people," she said.

Casino Neighbourhood Centre manager Noeline Olive wants councillors be more involved in community organisations.

"I think they have to have a knowledge and an understanding of social issues and look to work with community based services to resolve issues," she said.

"I think more councillors need to get involved in community organisations to become aware of these issues."

Council opens for business

Mayor Charlie Cox will officially open the redeveloped Richmond Valley Council administration building next Tuesday, February 17, after chairing the first council meeting in the new building.

The site includes the refurbished former Richmond River Council building and a new section at the rear to accommodate staff previously located in the old Casino Council building.