10 QUESTIONS WITH JODIE HARRISON – Lake Macquarie Mayoral Candidate

1. What led you to run for Mayor?

I love Lake Macquarie. My family and I chose to live here years ago. I have a strong record of standing up for Lake Macquarie, and at a time when there is pressure from all directions being put on local government, Lake Macquarie needs a Mayor who will stand up for the residents.

 
2. Does it concern you that the anti Labor sentiment felt in the last State Election will be in people’s minds when they vote in the local election?

It’s possible that there is still some negativity, however over the last several weeks my team and I have contacted thousands of Lake Macquarie residents, and the vast majority of residents are genuinely wanting to engage with us. They are encouraged that we honestly want to hear their views, and act on them.

3. You’ve been a councillor since 2008, how will that experience help you if elected as Mayor?

I have been working well with other Councillors during the current term, and during those four years Council has made many major decisions including adopting the Library and Pool strategies, as well as ensuring that Council is sustainable. These last four years have made me very able to be the leader Lake Macquarie residents need – a leader who will stand up for Lake Macquarie, ensuring that the services residents need and expect are provided, and that Council is as efficient as it can be.

4. What is your biggest challenge in winning this election?

I’ve been a quiet achiever over the last four years, the biggest challenge is to get the message across on the issues I’ve been standing up on – better roads, paths and gutters; I’ve been defending our libraries, parks, pools and sporting fields; standing up for local businesses and promoting responsible Council spending.

5. What is the first thing you would change in Lake Macquarie if elected?

I would increase the focus of the elected Council on the budget and efficiencies, without cutting Council services which the community expect.

6. What would be your main priority if elected?

Responsible Council spending balanced with providing the services and facilities residents expect – roads, parks, libraries, pools and sporting fields.

7. Earlier this month, more than 300 Lake Macquarie Council staff passed a vote of no confidence in councillors and senior management, how would you go to address and resolve this tension?

Lake Macquarie Council has historically had, in the main, good working relationships between staff of all levels. If elected I will meet with senior staff and staff representatives to press them on what has been done to resolve the impasse, and I would mediate a solution. It’s virtually impossible to have happy staff 100% of the time, however a vote of no confidence sends a big message – I’ve heard it and will work hard to resolve it if elected Mayor.

8. If elected you would be Lake Macquarie’s first female Mayor, how would that feel?

I would be honoured to be Lake Macquarie’s Mayor. As a mum with a school aged family, I represent a large population which hasn’t traditionally been represented in Council. Right now, Lake Macquarie has a significantly higher proportion of female Councillors (five out of thirteen elected) than the NSW average of one third. The residents of Lake Macquarie don’t see gender being a hindrance to capability.

9. How would you rate the performance of the current council and what would you change?

Relatively, Lake Macquarie Council has been performing well. However as Councillors we need to spend more time critically analysing the information provided to us, and widen the sources on which we base our decisions.

10. How do you rate your chances of winning the election?

I’m not a betting person – I’m a hard worker. What I’m hearing from residents is that they want a Mayor who’ll stand up for Lake Macquarie, and I have a record of doing that.