TWO potential councillor contenders came forward at a Residents Action Network forum last week.
TWO potential councillor contenders came forward at a Residents Action Network forum last week.
Port Macquarie’s Bronwyn Flemming and John Gorton are considering council election bids.
Mrs Flemming, a mother-of-two, said she had always been passionate about Port Macquarie and the way the town was presented to residents and visitors.
She believes in keeping it simple and getting back to what the town is all about.
“I believe we should be a caring community, assisting others and having equality for all, whether you’re young or old,” Mrs Flemming said.
She was born and bred in Port Macquarie.
Meanwhile, Mr Gorton told the crowd that rural economic development was close to his heart, as was commercial over-development.
He also spoke about the importance of Port Macquarie’s history.
“That is something I would like to see preserved ... what remains of our history,” he said.
Mr Gorton has lived in Port Macquarie for 55 years.
Thursday’s meet the candidates night at Port City Bowling Club also heard from mayoral candidate and councillor contender Adam Roberts, and councillor candidate Luke Hadfield.
Mr Roberts declared his councillor candidacy in August 2010, he said, to give himself the best chance to put forward views and ideas and actively engage in discussion.
Mr Roberts said his focus was to see council being proactive in economic development and stimulus.
He also spoke about the importance of future-proofing jobs.
Councillor candidate Luke Hadfield told the crowd he was young but he had diversity and common sense.
He acknowledged the Hastings had more elderly residents than youth, but said there was no reason youth could not be represented on the council. Voters will go to the polls in September to decide eight councillors and a popularly elected mayor.
The election will end our council’s period of administration, which has been in place since February 2008, when the then council was sacked over its handling of the Glasshouse.
The meeting also heard from Port Macquarie-Hastings Council administrator Neil Porter and Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Governance Review Consultation Panel chair Liesa Davies.
The panel has reviewed and updated governance policies and assisted in the drafting of new policies.
Mr Porter’s presentation included the role and responsibilities of councillors.
Meanwhile,
Sixteen people attended the third of four councillor information sessions at Port Macquarie-Hastings Council chambers.
Administrator Neil Porter said many of those who attended showed enthusiasm in campaigning for a position, with a few yet to make up their minds.