Report clears Holstein

Liberal candidate for Gosford Cr Chris Holstein has welcomed a Council report clearing him of allegations raised by Labor candidate Ms Katie Smith that he was using Council facilities to conduct his campaign for the state seat of Gosford.

Ms Smith sent a letter to the Gosford Council general manager Mr Peter Wilson stating that it had been brought to her attention by several members of the public that Cr Holstein may have been using Council facilities to benefit his campaign.

"Matters reported included holding meetings with relevant persons in the Mann St building and use of Council staff for campaign matters," said Ms Smith.

"I am now aware that he is holding meetings with members of the public to discuss campaign matters in Council-run buildings.

"It is not a case where he is meeting with community groups operating out of the building as an invited speaker but he is actually running his campaign on these occasions," said Ms Smith.

Cr Holstein said the unfounded allegations concerned the use of the Over 50s facilities and a recent meeting with the shadow minister for arts Mr Anthony Roberts.

"This just goes to show that this is nothing more than dirty politics from a candidate who represents a party that has nothing to say and nothing constructive to offer the people of Gosford," Mr Holstein said.

"Both matters were referred to Gosford City Council for a thorough investigation and the general manager Mr Peter Wilson has confirmed that absolutely no evidence of any misuse of Council facilities or staff could be found," Mr Holstein said.

In a letter from Mr Wilson to Cr Holstein, it was confirmed that there was no evidence Cr Holstein had used the facilities inappropriately.

"Investigations were also undertaken into the allegation of Council staff assisting you in your campaign," said Mr Wilson.

"A number of stuff were interviewed and there is no evidence to support this allegation," he said.

Cr Holstein said that he was calling on Ms Smith for an apology for the unfounded allegations and an apology to Gosford Council for "wasting their resources and time in a needless investigation".

"Let's get real, while the Labor candidate is wasting time on looking for any grubby issue to build her profile, I am focusing on the people of this electorate.

"I am fighting to ensure Gosford gets the investment in critical services and infrastructure denied by this do-nothing, deliver-nothing Labor Government," Mr Holstein said.

Media Release, 17 Feb 2011 Chris Holstein, Liberal Party