Richard Mehrtens - Group G Labor Party

Running with: Vicki Scott and Brad Ernst

Q. What do you consider to be the most important issue facing the Ward you would be elected to represent?

A. As a local that lives and works in Gosford West Ward, I see the issues that our community faces every day.

The last 12 months without an elected Council, and in the dying days of Gosford Council, we know how vital it is that the community has a strong voice in local government to stand up for proper services, transparency in decision making, and genuine consultation with the community.

As a Labor Councillor, I will fight to bring accountability and transparency back to Council by changing procedures to ensure that we start off on the right foot and truly represent the community.

More Council meetings need to be open to the community, fewer held behind closed doors and with active outreach and consultation with residents where they live about the issues that affect them.

Q. What do you consider to be the most important issue facing the Central Coast Local Government Area?

A. We need to make the amalgamation work for the community and for the region.

We need to unite and work together so we get our fair share.

Whatever people's opinion of the amalgamation, we have the opportunity to build a strong and hardworking Council that will make the Coast an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.

We have everything we need right here on the Coast to make that happen.

Q. How would you, if elected to Council, set about addressing that issue for (a) your Ward, (b) the region?

As one of the biggest employers and purchasers on the Coast, Central Coast Council should be looking here first when hiring and buying.

We have locals who want to work, and businesses that want to grow.

That's why I will be fighting for a Local Preference Policy that will mean that local workers and businesses get the first look at tenders and jobs.

SOURCE:

Statement, 31 Aug 2017

Richard Mehrtens, Labor