Lismore Council election 04 - Saturday March 27

There are 60 people contesting the 12 places on Lismore Council, including 10 candidates for mayor in the election on Saturday, March 27. You will receive two ballot papers. One for the mayor and another to elect 11 councillors. When voting, only use numbers.

You will also receive a referendum paper asking if you agree to reduce the number of councillors to 11. You can answer yes or no.

How to vote

For the mayoral election, you must at least place a number '1' in the square next to the candidate of your choice. If you want to determine your own preference flow, you can vote for additional candidates by putting consecutive numbers, starting with '2', in the squares next to those candidates.

For the councillor election you can vote above (group) or below the line.

To vote above the line, place the number '1' in the group voting square for your preferred group, thereby giving preferences in sequence to each candidate in that group only. The number of groups you can vote for is up to you. For example, if you want to vote above the line for 3 groups then they write the numbers 1, 2 and 3 in the group voting squares of those groups. By doing that, you will have given preferences to the candidates in the first group of 1 to 6, then preferences 7 to 12 in the second group and then 13 to 18 in the third group (assuming 6 candidates in each group).

To vote below the line you must select your own order of preferences and vote for at least 11 candidates. If you wish to vote for additional candidates you can place consecutive numbers beginning with the number '12' in the square opposite the names of those additional candidates.

Moredetails on the candidates are available at the Lismore Council chambers or online at www. lismore.nsw.gov.au

Meet the candidates

You can meet the candidates at a special forum being held by The Echo at the Star Court Theatre this Monday, March 22, from 6pm. The mayoral candidates, as well as the teams, will speak and the audience will be allowed to ask questions.

Polling places open 8am - 6pm

Lismore Council Chambers, Bexhill Hall, Hall, Dunoon Public School, Goolmangar Hall, Goonellabah Public School, Jiggi Public School, St Vincent's Hospital, Lismore Base Hospital, Lismore Public School, St Paul's Church Hall, Trinity College, Lismore High School, McLeans Ridges Public Hall, Nimbin Public School, River High School, Rosebank Public School, South Lismore Public School, The Channon Hall, Tregeagle Public School, Woodburn CWA Rooms, Wyrallah Public School.

Pre-poll voting

If you are away from Lismore on March 27, or unable to attend a polling booth for health, religious or work reasons, you can lodge a pre-poll vote at the Goonellabah Council Chambers.

The pre-poll voting is open now at the Council chambers, Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm, and on Friday, March 26 from 9am to 6pm.

Any questions should be directed to the Returning officer at the Council Chambers. Phone 6625 0500.

How many councillors do you want?

When voters go to the polls in Lismore on March 27, the will also be asked in a referendum whether they want to reduce the number of councillors. More than 50% of voters would have to vote 'yes' for the change to take place. The change would not occur until the next election in 2008.

At present Lismore City Council has 12 elected councillors, including a popularly elected mayor (ie. 11 councillors plus the mayor).

The Referendum question is: "Are you in favour of decreasing the number of Councillors from 12 to 11 (including the Mayor)?"

Voting in the referendum is compulsory.

The following arguments for and against were developed by Lismore Council.

The Yes case

• As 11 is an odd number, this means that when all Councillors are present decisions are reached by majority vote and removes the need for the additional casting vote of the Mayor thus minimising the possibility of dissension between the Mayor and Councillors.
• Many Councils in NSW are reducing the number of Councillors in recognition of the changing role of Local Government and in turn, councillors.
• Councillors are now required to work as a more unified team and in a decisive manner, concentrating on policy, prioritising issues and performance standards. This is best achieved by a smaller number of Councillors.
• There would be an overall cost saving of approximately $20,000 each year, based on the current fees and facilities provided to Councillors.

The No case

• Councillor representation per head within the community will be reduced.
• 12 Councillors provides more ideas and input into critical decision-making.
• 12 Councillors means better representation at the many meetings, workshops, seminars and community forums that regularly arise.
• Councillor workload would increase.
• Whilst Councillors represent the entire Council area, a reduction in Councillor numbers may affect the chances of representation from smaller population centres.

Responsibility for election comment is taken by the editor, Simon Thomsen, 218 Molesworth St, Lismore.

Lismore Mayoral candidates

The 10 people contesting the vote for Mayor are listed in the order they appear on the ballot paper.

Lismore Council election 04 - Candidate profiles

Group A - Gray Wilson, Vanessa Ekins (team leader, centre) and The Greens team

Group A
The Greens
Vanessa Grindon-Ekins
Susan Stock
Gray Wilson
Anne Dusta
David McInnes-King
Laurence Axtens

The Greens are informed, awake and open to debate. This is no idle comment. Over the last 5 years Vanessa Ekins who heads the Green Team has attended over 40 Lismore City Council meetings, is a member of several Council committees and worked with Council staff and Councillors on issues such as residential development, riverbank restoration, pedestrian facilities, youth activities and the provision of shade and seating in the CBD.

The Greens expect that decisions about spending ratepayers money will be openly discussed and have consensus from the community. As representatives of the Lismore community the Greens will listen to the concerns of all residents, actively inform the community of council activities and strengthen and support council committees and include their recommendations in decision making.

Specific issues the Greens will work toward are affordable public transport such as the surf train, RTA funding major road upgrades rather than ratepayers, cycle paths and safe pedestrian access to the CBD. The Greens will ensure Council buys local and utilises local companies. Increase Council on ground staff such as compliance officers so developers meet their conditions of consent which is not currently happening. The Greens will protect prime agricultural land and ridgelines from urban encroachment and provide incentives for water tanks and solar systems. The Greens will fund streambank revegetation and weed control. The Greens will investigate a water park in Goonellabah and negotiate a sensible upgrade of the Memorial Baths.

The Greens are informed about Council procedures and familiar with Council business papers and topical issues. The Greens will use extensive community networks to encourage participation in the decision making process. Good Spirit is better than a six pack. Vote Green. Council needs its Greens

Group B - Frank Swientek (right) and team

Group B
Independent
Frank Swientek, Goonellabah
David Larkin, Lismore
Graham Askey, North Lismore
Stan Heywood, Rosebank
Therese Crollick, Goonellabah
Peter Stenbo

Frank is very pleased to be leading his Group B team because like Frank they are capable and absolutely committed to improving the services and facilities and economic well being of this city for you and your families.

David Larkin is a foster carer and Lismore resident who is keen to see Frank Swientek elected as Mayor and supports Frank because he sees Frank as a tenacious, energetic and motivated candidate who is a passionate believer in services for Goonellabah; a pool, a 24 hour police station, and improved commercial opportunities. David, like Frank, believes in fairness in the expenditure and collection of rate income from you - the ratepayers in this city.

Graham Askey operated a small business in Keen Street. His experience in floods prompted him to join the floodplain Management Committee in 1989 and work to reduce the impact to the community of flooding in Lismore. Graham was pleased to see Frank Swientek as chairman of the Richmond River County Council since 1999 being such a successful supporter of this issue to protect Lismore. Graham is grateful to be part of the Swientek team and to back Frank's campaign for election as Mayor for Lismore.

Stan Heywood has been an avid Council watcher for the past several years and his regular attendance has given Stan a good knowledge and understanding of the issues. He says Stan is a "fair dinkum character who would give his full commitment to the job as councillor"

Therese Crollick, a medical technologist from Goonellabah, is according to Frank "one of the best qualified candidates for the job". There are few candidates who have had the knowledge and experience in council matters that Therese has in so many years in so many committees. First female chair at the Lismore and District Sports Association, Chair at the Masters Games Committee, Member at the Public Transport Committee and it goes on and on. Therese says that she supports Frank and his quest for better sport and recreational facilities in Goonellabah and for fair and equitable distribution to funding across in the whole Lismore City Council area.

Peter Stenbo was appalled by the 'six packs' decision to reverse and rescind a motion in early 2003 when councillor Frank Swientek was duly democratically elected the Mayor of Lismore and then the decision was reversed. "In my opinion the present Mayor is only an incumbent Mayor of the present time," He urges "Let us for the March 27 local elections vote Councillor Frank Swientek into his rightful place as the mayor of Lismore and let us keep major party politics out of local elections."

Peter is a retired businessman, life member of Richmond Valley Life Education Centre and Summerland Australia Football League and has served nine years as an officer as the Bush Fire Service.

Group C - Jenny Dowell (third from left) and Country Labor candidates

Group C
Country Labor
Jenny Dowell, Goonellabah. Teacher Committee member. NR Community Transport and Lismore Neighbourhood Centre. Lismore Library volunteer.
Stewart Hase, Richmond Hill. Psychologist and academic. Soccer referee.
Maralyn Schofield, Lismore. Community Welfare Worker
Terry Harvey, Goonellabah. Business manager. Financial counsellor.
Liz Adams, Goonellabah. CBD business owner.
Richie Colbourne, Blue Knob. JP, retired senior executive with CSR. Member, Blue Knob Hall committee, Nimbin Hospital board and the Rural Fire Service.

Members of the Country Labor team, lead by Jenny Dowell, are proud of our breadth of experience in community-based organisations, education, welfare, sport and business.

We stand for election with a Code of Conduct:

1. We will be careful with your money. We will provide value for your rates dollar and will act wisely in our spending decisions.

2. We commit to community consultation. We will consult you on all major issues and proposals.

3. We will make informed decisions. We will be familiar with matters brought before council and will read all material pertaining to them.

4. We will work with other councillors in the best interests of Lismore. We will foster a collaborative working relationship for effective decision making.

Country Labor wants to see Lismore regain its place as the hub of the region for locals and visitors. Lismore should be the centre of cultural, business, sporting, government, health and educational opportunities on the North Coast. Our 6 part policy is strong and broadly based to address the needs of Lismore, our urban and rural villages and settlements into the future. The areas covered are:

1. Roads and Infrastructure

2. Community Services

3. Sustainable Development and Our Environment

4. Lismore City

5. Goonellabah

6. Nimbin and our Other Villages

Our key policies include:

• a fairer roads maintenance program

• widening Ballina St and Hollingworth bridges

• annual curbside, large-item rubbish collection

• supporting Art in the Heart

• revitalising Lismore after hours

• a swimming pool and recreation facilities for Goonellabah

• regular consultation with village communities

• supporting village initiatives and events

• better public transport to, from and within Lismore

• reviewing of CBD parking

• reviewing sporting field hire costs

For details of our policies, contact Jenny Dowell on 6625 2206 or jenny dowell@hotmail.com.

Group D
Action Now!
Brian Henry, Goonellabah. Business consultant
Barry Robinson, Lismore. Property development and management
Richard Fisher, Goonellabah Sporting goods retailer
Jenny Deans. Lismore. Cafe/Bakery Proprietor
Andrew Binns, Goonellabah. GP
John Page, Clunes. Lawyer

Action Now team members came together last year in the common belief that the people of Lismore needed the right Council to help the city become a vibrant regional centre and further the wellbeing of its community... we care about the future of Lismore and have the skills to achieve the best outcome.

Our team will bring to Council a diverse range of skills and abilities from successful backgrounds in business, the professions, the public service, arts and community involvement.

We have the desire to work together with other members of Council - regardless of who is elected - to ensure the right decisions are made in the best interests of Lismore.

We will be fostering greater community consultation and participation in decision making.

Group E - Ros Irwin and team

Group E
Independent
Ros Irwin, Lismore. Former mayor and Councillor 12 years.
David Tomlinson, Modanville. Councillor 4 years. Economist, radio commentator and financial journalist.
Max Pike, Nimbin, Arts background.
Lorraine Vass, Wyrallah. President, Friends of the Koala Inc. Member, Lismore Art Gallery Advisory Panel and the Art in the Heart Advisory Committee.
Barry Garland, Richmond Hill, Secretary, Richmond Hill Ratepayers Assoc. Member, Council Roads Advisory Committee.
David Yarnall, The Channon, Member Road Advisory Committee, President, The Channon Precinct Committee.
Vicki Findlay, North Lismore. Chair, North Lismore Progress Assoc. Works as a mediator.
Robert Nivison, Lismore

The Independents for a Better Council are individuals who have come together to help form a Council that will take Lismore forward. Led by Crs Ros Irwin and David Tomlinson, the team has a blend of youth, experience and fresh ideas. We come from Lismore's urban, village, and rural areas and do not represent any party, business or sectional interest.

Why are we standing? We believe that Local Government can be the most important level of Government. It is close to the ground and with good, strong leadership and community support it can achieve great things.

We want Lismore to remain the capital city of the Northern Rivers. We want to see a growing economy that provides jobs and helps us to retain our young people. We also want to retain and improve our quality of life.

To do all this we have developed a comprehensive set of policies that cover roads and transport, the villages, economic development, employment and jobs, young people, community consultation, cultural development, financial management and the environment.

With your support we believe we can make Lismore a safe and vibrant community with a great lifestyle.

Who are we? All of us are active in the community. Our candidates are involved in the Rural Fire Service, advocating for better roads, saving the koalas and working for better community services. We are members of Progress Associations, Ratepayer Associations, community committees and council's advisory committees on economic development, roads, tourism and the arts.

All of our team knows from experience what it is like when those in power do not listen. We want to change this. We believe that the best decisions on issues affecting the community are made after wide consultation with the community.

More details can be found on the group's website: www. abettercouncil.org, or by ringing 6621 5906.

Group F - John Chant and team

Group F
Independent
John Chant
Peter Graham
Pat Neven
Barbara Gosper
Brian Suffolk
John Cade

Deputy Mayor John Chant's Group are unashamedly pro-sport and they are standing for election because they believe they can deliver "a better Lismore for our children".

The Chant Group believes we must continue with the current Council's policy of welcoming business to Lismore and providing better infrastructure to create more local jobs so fewer young Lismore residents have to leave for the cities to find work.

The King-Chant Council has delivered massive increases in road spending, but the Chant Group believes there is more work to be done.

The Chant Group have a vision for Lismore becoming a regional sporting capital with better sports facilities. This will not help build a better Lismore for our children, it will also boost our local economy as more and more sports clubs, competitors and their families come to Lismore for sporting competitions.

The six long-term locals in the Chant Group are:

• Deputy Mayor John Chant, of John Chant Motors fame, who is also the President of the Lismore District Sports Association.

• The very active young Peter Graham, a Goolmangar Dairy Farmer who aims to make Council work harder for Lismore's younger residents.

• Pat Neven, a Lismore business operator who will make sure small business gets a fair go and we create more local jobs.

• Barbara Gosper, who runs a new telecommunications company and will ensure that Council listens to the views of ratepayers.

• Councillor Brian Suffolk, a building designer and macadamia grower who is a keen supporter of local motor sports.

• John Cade is a local horticulturalist, whose job it will be to ensure that our rural villages have a strong voice on the new Council.

The Chant Group of independents invite you to support them if you too want a better Lismore for our children.

Group G - Julia Melland and Democrat team

Group G
Australian Democrats
Julia Melland Goonellabah, 47, mother & community volunteer
Nick Casmirri Goonellabah, 21, student. Vision impaired
Allan Jeffreys Nimbin, 54, teacher & mechanic.
Frankie Hill Goonellabah, 75, pensioner & volunteer.
Janine Goddard Clunes, support worker.
Bec Massey, Sth. Lismore, 21, Bachelor of Visual Arts student.
Gareth Daniels - East Lismore, Registered Nurse.

As our Mayoral candidate and lead candidate of our council team, I, Julia Melland, commit us to bring inclusiveness to council decision-making and to use 'triple-bottom-line' evaluation methods, where economic, social and environmental responsibilities are taken into account.

I have lived in Lismore for 11 years, raising my family here, and I am aware of the strengths and limitations of our community. I am driven both to affect reform in our region and to bring Australian Democrat principles & practice of balance and openness to our local government.

I have lived a varied life, in several cultures, and that diversity of experience has taught me that finding solutions to suit all those involved in the problem requires inclusiveness and sound communication. Everyone's visions for Lismore need to be considered, not only those of an influential sector. As an Australian Democrat for over 20 years I have found our empowering, solution focussed politics is successful in affecting positive reform that reflects the needs of our whole community and environment. As Mayor or Councillor I will work hard to find resolution, not division.

I am a strong believer in developing the role of local government in fostering prosperity in our work, social fabric and environment. I will work with Councillors and State and Federal parliamentarians to explore that emerging role.

Of major concern to me at the moment is the poor state of our rail systems, with further cuts threatened. An efficient rail connection to the Gold Coast as well as Sydney is essential to the responsible development of the Lismore region. Councils can work with each other and State and Federal Governments to ensure we have safe, comfortable, environmentally friendly trains transporting us, our children, tourists & freight to and from Lismore and all points on the east coast.

Group H
Independent
Merv King
John Hampton
Graham Meineke
John Crowther
Belinda Champion
Kaye Bryant
Rod Smith

Team King is a group of seven local independents with Councillor King standing as the Mayoral candidate.

The main values of Team King are experience and common sense and Team King is campaigning on the theme of "Maintaining the Growth of Lismore"

The seven Team King candidates represent a good mix of urban and rural residents, men and women, young and young at heart, but they have three things in common.

Firstly they are long term Northern Rivers residents and they are united in their desire to make this great region an even better place to live.

Secondly they support the current Council led by Mayor Merv King. Some of the radical alternatives on offer at this election would see a quick end to the growth of the Lismore region, as inexperienced radical new Councillors pander to minority groups while neglecting the majority of residents.

Thirdly Team King members are true independents. That means they answer to no-one except Lismore residents and they will demand better funding and services - especially for health - from the governments in Sydney and Canberra regardless of which political parties are in power.

Running with Merv King are:

• Councillor John Hampton of East Lismore who is also Chairman of Rous County Council.

• Graham Meineke, a town planning expert from Lismore who is involved with the Army Cadet Parent Support unit.

• Councillor John Crowther of Monaltrie, a retired pilot with nearly thirty years experience on Council.

• Belinda Champion, daughter of former Lismore Mayor Jeff Champion, is an accountant who will demand value for money for ratepayers.

• Kaye Bryant is a Bexhill retiree with ten grandchildren, who brings strong environmental credentials to Team King.

• Rod Smith is a Lismore farmer, formerly a trade butcher, with a deep commitment to his community.

Group D and Group I - The Action Now! teams, led by Brian Henry (front right) and Barry Crimmins (front left)

Group I
Action Now!
Barry Crimmins, Goonellabah. Retired club manager
Robin Osborne, Bexhill. Community relations manager, Northern Rivers Area Health Service
Gianpiero Battista, Goonellabah. Restaurateur
Trevor Oram, Chilcotts Grass Hi-Fi and electrical retailer
Liz Terracini, Lismore. manager, NORPA
Dillon Brice, Lismore Internet development consultant

Action Now team members came together last year in the common belief that the people of Lismore needed the right Council to help the city become a vibrant regional centre and further the wellbeing of its community... we care about the future of Lismore and have the skills to achieve the best outcome.

Our team will bring to Council a diverse range of skills and abilities from successful backgrounds in business, the professions, the public service, arts and community involvement.

We have the desire to work together with other members of Council - regardless of who is elected - to ensure the right decisions are made in the best interests of Lismore.

We will be fostering greater community consultation and participation in decision making.

Ungrouped

Reg Baxter

Lismore, aged 79.

Some say that I am too old and too fond of sport.

May I say in the last four and half years I have had more than my fair share of the Council work oad. I have been on nine committees such as Nimbin Water, Clunes Sewerage, Airport, Tourism, EDU, Regional Library, Sports Association, Baths and Waste Management. All of which met regularly, plus two which only met as required. In addition to that I was Council representative to the Senior Citizens. I doubt if any councillor was on more committees than I.

Outside council I have been a deliverer for Meals on Wheels and I'm the current chairman. I am a member of the RSL Club Branch, the RSL Club, Lismore Workers Club, Lismore Heights Bowling Club.

As for sport, yes I am vitally interested in all sport. Northing gives me more pleasure than seeing all our sporting fields being used and young people being involved.

What I want to see is the SES building being out of flood. This organisation, although in the background, is always there to help people in an emergency that can happen to anyone.

People, please vote below the line and pick who you want to be on Council.

Ungrouped

Nora Vidler-Blanksby

Tregeagle, aged 55 Co-ordinator, Community Visitors Scheme, Lismore. A Registered and Accredited Funeral Celebrant. JP.

Having lived for 25 years in an environment where every individual's personal experience is given great social/cultural support, I am constantly motivated to turn my entire attention to opportunities that contribute even further to our community in other ways than in the voting booth.

Having said this, my decision to run for Mayor in Lismore would also allow me to pursue several key issues:

Raising Customer Service Standards in order to reduce economic leakage.

Developing and improving Men's Health Services

The re-evaluation, Revitalisation and Re-introduction of Neighbourhood Watch.

Thus creating:

Community prosperity

Better Men's Health facilities

A population that feels safe and secure

As a Mayoral Candidate I offer a very comprehensive set of skills, knowledge, experience and personal qualities that would really benefit the community.

I am committed to leading Lismore into a prosperous future with an exciting new vision that offers a greater profile and profitability for everyone.