 The first week of pre-polling at Manly Oval Pavillion was like a ghost town. A cluttered field of 12 candidates, many of whom don't even live in our area, has made it even more difficult for the genuine contenders. Thats' the line-up for the State By-Election on Saturday 8th April. Here's A Quick Guide: 1. The Candidates Although 12 people have registered to stand, there are really only three serious contenders: They are Clara Williams-Roldan (Greens), James Griffin (Liberal) and Kathryn Ridge (Independent). Please take a moment to check out their websites and policies by clicking on their names, which will give you a direct link. It is interesting to note that there has been an anti-LIberal vibe in the area, particularly since the pre-selection of James Griffin as the Liberal candidate. The Save Manly Oval Alliance has produced a fact sheet on James's performance as a Councillor on Manly Council (see below), which speaks volumes. 2. Who to Support? Many people are asking me who I am personally supporting. I know all three candidates well and think Clara has a great future, but needs more experience behind her. James's performance as a Councillor with me on Manly Council was lack-lustre. He supported the Manly Oval Car Park and contributed very little to community projects. Kathryn is an experienced lawyer with a long record of backing community projects and getting results. I'm supporting Kathryn as I believe she will be an outstanding independent Local Member. 3. Pre Polling Details Pre-Polling operates from Monday 27th March - Friday 07 Apr 2017 at Manly Oval Pavillion, Sydney Road Manly and at Unit 2, 192 Harbord Rd, Brookvale. Mon - Fri: 8:00am - 6:00pm Thu (06 Apr): 8:00am - 8:00pm Sat: 9:00am - 5:00pm Closed on Sun Polling Day Saturday 8th April. 4. Volunteer If you would like to support Kathryn Ridge by helping out on pre-polling or polling day, contact Anne Lanham, [email protected] or phone: 0427 787833. If you wish to support other candidates, contact them via their websites. 5. Meet the Candidates The Greater Manly Resident Forum is staging a Meet The Candidates evening on Monday 3rd April at 7pm at Manly West Public School. It will be well worth attending. More details here. Will a strong independent gain the support of locals again, or will the Liberals win the day? What do you think? 
3 Comments
Don Walker
3/4/2017 07:15:02 am
Pity the majority of independents can not understand that while they have next to no chance of being elected they are splitting the independent vote thus giving an advantage to James Griffin who has proven over the period he was on Manly Council, supported by himself when he stated that after 10 years on council-including a period as deputy mayor, that he did not understand that he should listen to the people, not the party. If these independents could only see the light and withdraw from the contest or, at least, give their preferences to Kathryn Ridge, we might get to see Griffin thrown out of office for the good of the Northern Beaches.
James Roberts
3/4/2017 09:53:44 am
Yes sadly that sounds true. A split Independent vote will probably ensure that the liberal candidate will fall into the job - yet its so clear that the liberals don't value Northern Beaches.
John D Wilson
3/4/2017 09:44:58 am
Vote wisely fellow voters. Don't make a mess of this by-election. Vote for a real candidate not a ring in. There are only for a local from the Beaches. Leave a Reply. |
AuthorCandy Bingham, Manly Ward Councillor on Northern Beaches Council posts what's making news and issues relevant to Manly on this blog. Categories
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