Claims: Mayoral hopeful Adam Roberts.
mayoral hopeful Adam Roberts believes there are “back room deals and covert alignments” taking place among some local government candidates.
In a letter to the editor, Mr Roberts wrote that he believes the Residents Action Network (RAN) is “closely and strongly affiliated with the Greens, and is also a strong supporter of sacked councillor Lisa Intemann who claims to be an independent”.
His claims followed a pre-election community meeting, which he attended last weekend.
RAN committee member Penny Marshall said Mr Roberts had no reason to be sceptical about whether the network supported Ms Intemann.
“She was asked to speak [at the community meeting] at a time when she had not made any announcement, not even to her friends,” Ms Marshall said.
“We thought what she had to say would be of great value to some candidates, and she was able to answer some difficult questions.”
Ms Intemann said she is standing as an individual.
“Naturally, I have been approached [by political party members], but I have not decided at this stage if I will give preferences to anyone,” Ms Intemann said.
“I work openly across the board with Greens, RAN, Nationals and Labor, as well as non-aligned individuals.
“I will work with everyone for the benefit of the local community.”
She said it was time for council to dispense with the “them and us” attitude.
Mr Roberts said: “My point of view is I get scrutinised on a daily basis ... there needs to be transparency in the next seven weeks ... so the public know who to vote for.”
He had asked Ms Marshall whether the RAN committee had sanctioned member Mel Gray-Thompson’s appointment as The Greens candidates’ campaign manager.
Ms Marshall said she was not aware whether Mr Gray-Thompson had accepted the position. The issue would be raised at the next RAN committee meeting, she said.
The elections are to be held on September 8.