Still undecided? Candidates reveal themselves in candid interviews
COUNCIL ELECTION
With everything going on you would be forgiven for forgetting that there is an election this weekend, but on Saturday the Douglas Shire will decide who will lead the next Council.
Over the last few months, Newsport has reported on each of the candidates but in case you are still undecided here is a chance to hear directly from them, thanks to FAB FM presenter, Paul Makin, who has shared his podcasts with us.
Mr Makin sat down with the candidates a couple of weeks ago and chatted about what they would bring to the Shire if elected.
“The main issues that have seemed to come up a lot in the podcasts is that of transparency and consultancy. I think every one of the candidates mentions that,” Mr Makin said.
“Water security and getting back to the basics of a local council was also mentioned a fair bit.”
Running in the Douglas Shire 2020 Election are two mayoral candidates, Julia Leu and Michael Kerr, and nine councillor candidates, Abigail Noli, Natalie Johnson, Steve Cruickshank, Peter McKeown, Terry Melchert, Kym Rowley, Lisa Scomazzon, Bruce Clarke, and Roy Zammataro.
Mr Makin said the invitation to be interviewed was extended to all candidates however, Julia Leu, Roy Zammataro, and Abigail Noli failed to respond while Bruce Clarke declined.
Mr Makin added that he has enjoyed watching the politics unfold during the election period, however said we all need to respect that everyone has different opinions.
“Disagree with political views of other people and debate it robustly, you don’t have to like their opinion, but you should respect them, that is what I have learnt out of it,” he said.
Listen to what the candidates had to say in the FAB FM podcast below:
- Michael Kerr: Mayor candidate
- Terry Melchert: Councillor candidate
- Peter McKeown: Councillor candidate
- Lisa Scomazzon: Councillor candidate
- Kym Rowley: Councillor Candidate
- Steve Cruikshank: Councillor Candidate
- Natalie Johnson: Councillor Candidate
The official election day is on Saturday, 28 March, however, residents are urged to vote early over the next couple of days to spread out the number of people at polling stations at one time.
Early voting is open until 9:00pm tonight and 6:00pm tomorrow at the Mossman Shire Community Hall and the Port Douglas Community Hall.
Where to vote on Saturday between 8:00am and 6:00pm:
• Daintree State School
• Alexandra Bay State School
• Miallo State School
• Mossman State School
• Port Douglas Community Hall
• Wonga Beach State School
Voting is compulsory and additional measures are in place to ensure public safety.
Telephone voting is available for those who are sick or isolated, call the ECQ on 1300 881 665 before election day. Due to high demand at call centres it is important only those who really need it and are eligible use this option.
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