Second candidate announces he is standing for election
A second candidate has announced he will be standing as a candidate for Gosford West ward.
Mr Stephen Sizer said he would be standing under the Ratepayers Choice ticket alongside Mr Kevin Brooks.
"I am strongly opposed to council chief executive Mr David Farmer's position that the temporary rate increase, approved by IPART to pay off emergency loans, should be retained permanently.
"I am not convinced that the Council is operating as efficiently as it should be.
"The Administrator is beating his chest about how he has successfully reduced staff numbers and brought costs under control.
"This is not the case.
"If you review the contract register, which is available on the Council's website, you can get a feel for the cultural complacency and waste that is still ingrained.
"For example, Council hired a graduate engineer, through a labour hire company for a cost of $248k over a two-year period.
"What well-run organisation is paying $124k per year for a graduate?
"That is not an isolated example.
"The contract register shows no fewer than 15 labour hire positions costing an average of $200k per year, with some costing over $300k.
"Mr Farmer is currently overseeing and is accountable for this waste and inefficiency.
"I don't see the current Administrator holding him to account.
"I am running to give our community an uninfluenced, unbiased voice.
"I am happy to ask the questions that the community deserves an answer to, no matter how uncomfortable it may be for the CEO to answer.
"I do not think the Council should be crowing about achieving a budget surplus while at the same time, reducing infrastructure budget for the Peninsula.
"The Council needs to be run knowing they are spending the community's money.
"This isn't monopoly money for them to hoard, but money paid by us through rates and other charges to provide infrastructure and services.
"If elected, I will dedicate myself to ensuring the community receives value for money and is heard.
"I believe that advocating for the best interests of both Gosford West ward and the Central Coast are not conflicting goals, but rather can be achieved through collaboration and thoughtful decision-making.
"I am committed to working collaboratively with fellow councillors to enhance the Central Coast as a whole while prioritising the needs of Gosford West ward.
SOURCE:
Media release, 19 Jul 2024
Stephen Sizer, Ratepayers Choice