The Examiner asked each candidate running in the Dorset council local government election to supply our readers with a 150 word statement about themselves.
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The statement asked why the candidate chose to run, and what they would like to achieve. Candidates were also asked to supply their favourite quote, a fun fact or who would play them in a movie.
In these elections, Dorset council has 14 candidates, five of those are seeking re-election, three running for mayor and four for deputy mayor.
There are 5370 people are registered to vote in Dorset.
Mervyn Chilcott
Mervyn Chilcott left his dairy farming and tourist accommodation enterprises at Winnaleah in 2005 to live at Scottsdale. He is married to Janice with three sons and six grandchildren. He is totally engaged in the community and holds executive positions in the Scottsdale Lions, Dorset Community Men’s Shed, Indoor and Lawn Bowls and the Scottsdale RSL Club. He believes that we have a great community but communication between the council and the public can be improved. We need to work toward more small industry creating more jobs which brings increased population and the need for improved services where everyone will benefit. “Lets build Dorset - together.”
Kerrie Donaldson
Transparency, honesty and working with the community are the values for which I stand. I understand the meaning of good governance and the role of council, which is to inform, consult, involve and collaborate to empower the community - which has not been happening.There should be a diverse range of attractions to provide jobs, economic sustainability and bring visitors to our region. I fully support retaining the railway line between Scottsdale and Launceston for its heritage and history for future generations. I also believe we should look after our smaller townships they are a major part of the community, and would like to see better maintenance of our country roads.
I have a strong rural and farming background, and I understand the needs and aspirations of our community. I have lived in Telita for over 20 years and I have over 30 years experience in finance and administration, primarily in the banking sector. I have been involved in many committees within the community. I will be a strong and committed voice, approachable and willing to listen.
Fun quote: You're allowed to scream, you're allowed to cry but do not give up.
Max Hall
I say vote for Max Hall. I have been a longstanding caring person in the community for one reason: I care about the people, the lovely place it is, and would stand my ground towards anyone or anything that stands in the way of progress for the area.
Having been born and bred in the area with a large family history that is well known for its help and caring nature, I am well placed to make the right decision to for the area.
I have taken the Scottsdale name and proudly displays it on my bakeries in Scottsdale and Launceston, which now employs 14 people and uses local products from the Dorset area to make my famous pastry.
Please vote one Max Hall for deputy mayor and councillor.
Greg Howard
In the last three years I have lead a council that has taken some huge strides in improving the lives of residents of Dorset.
Successful delivery of large infrastructure budgets have resulted in the construction and replacements of new roads, bridges, footpaths and sporting facilities and the municipality has never looked in better condition. Some of these projects have been on the books for decades but no one could ever find the funds to finance them. I have been extremely successful in this area.
On top of that council has kept rate rises below the CPI and removed fees on swimming pool entry and use of all council-owned facilities used by sporting clubs and not-for-profit community groups, while still recording record budget surpluses.
This election is about electing those people who have a proven record of getting things done or electing those who just want to talk about it.
Jan Hughes
Our council will continue to function efficiently with open debate, community engagement and a positive, forward-thinking attitude to growth and development. I hope to bring a collaborative, co-operative environment to debate to ensure the future of our region benefits us all. My experiences as an educator, a small business owner, hospitality and accommodation operator means I have a range of experiences that can contribute to robust decision-making. I want to contribute to my community in a positive, collaborative and encouraging way and I see this as a way of really doing just that.
Dale Jessup
I am standing for the positions of councillor and deputy mayor. I have lived in Dorset for 50 years and have been a very active member of the community. I am a life member of the Scottsdale Fire Brigade and served for 25 years as a volunteer firefighter. I have been a member of the Scottsdale Squash Club for over 20 years. I have also served as a member of the Scottsdale High School Association Committee including last year as the chairperson. My day job is manager of the Branxholm Sawmill.
Council has achieved much over the past four years and I recognise there is still more to do. Dorset needs hardworking dedicated councillors who can provide strategic leadership within council and the community. I support local business, increased development, agriculture, upgrading the Sideling and most importantly, I support fair representation for all residents of Dorset. I have a no-nonsense approach and work hard to get things done.
Fun fact: I stood in for 7LA’s Fairsy in the ice slide challenge supporting motor neuron disease.
Murray Lade
My name is Murray Lade and I am running for councillor in Dorset. I have lived in the Dorset area all my life. I married and raised our four children here, who have been lucky enough to gain employment here. I have worked in the construction business in the Dorset area my whole working life. I have been involved in sporting clubs in the North-East since a kid playing football and cricket. I have been involved in many committees. On weekends I like to spend my time fishing in the North-East. I believe we have the best salt and fresh water fishing in Tasmania. I would like to work towards more employment in the area to keep young people around and to entice more families to the area. When elected I am looking forward to becoming part on of the Dorset’s growing future as a councillor.
Wendy McLennan
Local government is the frontline of democracy. My background includes 26 years in government organisations including customs, health, science and environment.
I led four Antarctic resupply expeditions, a woman in a traditionally male dominated environment and now I am the State Finance Officer for CWA.
I believe council should have a dedicated Youth and Community Liaison position to co-ordinate positive health outcomes.
I spent several years on the North-East tourism board. Successful diversified tourism has respect for our communities and includes them in the planning processes so that visitors enjoy our local values, environment and heritage.
I believe in the North-East Railway project for its volunteer and future job opportunities.
Community consultation is key and decision-making should be transparent and operate without favour or prejudice. I will work tirelessly to achieve this and will apply all my skills and experiences to the role of mayor of Dorset.
Jerrod Nichols
As a proud and passionate resident of the Dorset municipality, I would consider it a privilege to represent the people of our community on Council. Through involvement in local organisations and clubs, as well as small business I feel in touch with the needs, feelings and sentiment of Dorset. I feel that strong economic management is of high importance, as is a fair appropriation of council monies, to ensure all regions of our municipality benefit from good governance. I declare no hidden agendas, and if elected will do my best to fulfill the expectations of the people of Dorset.
Iain O’Neil
I currently operate a small business in Scottsdale, and I also drive the South Springfield school bus.
My previous background is in the field of Mechanical Engineering within the mining sector. I was employed by Caterpillar Global Mining for 18 years as a Mechanical Technical Support Engineer, travelling the world extensively within this position.
It is my intention, if elected, to work closely with and for the residents of Dorset.
I am of the belief that a partisan neutral approach to council business can and will deliver far superior outcomes, therefore resulting in a stronger and more cohesive community.
I feel it is essential to accurately gauge community sentiment prior to making important and binding decisions.
There is no place in local government for dictatorial personal agendas.
Community consultation is paramount, after all that is part of what being a diligent and effective councillor is all about. Council decisions affect our daily lives, and the flow-on effect of some decisions can last for decades.
I would be honoured to be given the opportunity to represent you on Dorset council.
The future of Dorset is what’s at stake here, please think very carefully before you vote.
Edwina Powell
I believe in strategic planning which engages the community - consultation not confrontation. As a leader with imagination I believe that partnerships of a grassroots kind ensure that the needs of each community are not forgotten. My vision is to work towards the development of the Sideling Road as a tourist gateway to the North-East and the promotion and beautification of our heritage towns.
Preservation and protection of community spaces including the Bridport Foreshore and natural features are my special interests. I believe there is potential for a tourist railway to create a new energy to the North-East which will attract visitors and new residents to the region. Having lived in Dorset for more than 40 years I want to see a balanced infrastructure development across the region and will support businesses transitioning to a better tourist future. I am committed to recycling and improved waste management. I am passionate about the arts. We need more women on council.
If I was in a movie I would be Meryl Streep!
Trevor Charles Priestley
A lifelong resident of the Dorset, now living at Bridport, I am 59 years old, married to Alison and have two adult children: Jess, living in W.A. and Tim, in N.Z.
While spending my working life as a farmer at Nth. Scottsdale I participated in related commodity groups, and served in community organisations. I am politically unaligned and stood for council in 1987, and in 2014 (both times unelected). I am standing again because I believe local government involves bringing together rational people as a group to achieve practical outcomes for the community. I see a need for more open debate within council meetings, with transparency in decision-making, so reducing the need for closed meetings.
Council needs to consider the views of all ratepayers and to base its decision-making on the principles of fairness and respect, especially to those who may hold different points of view. Councillors are elected by the community to serve, not to rule.
Terry J Smith
With a number of council seats becoming vacant and much disquiet across the community toward many decision-making processes, the outcomes, and some of the methods employed in achieving those outcomes, I’ve decided to run for the position as councillor so that I might utilise my previous knowledge and experience as an elected councillor some years ago. To run again and represent people of the municipality among whom my wife and I have worked and lived for nearly forty years.
While the Council is expending large amounts of time and money on entrepreneurial and populist schemes it seems to have lost focus in many other areas of its responsibility including basic infrastructure, maintenance and the very health and wellbeing of some ratepayers and residents.
Present and upcoming issues need serious and fair evaluation by independent representatives not beholden to any cabal or group and resistant to anything other than due process and proper fairness.
I’m passionate about all of the above, this part of the North-East and the clean rural environment.
Fun Fact:
I took a suitable walking stick as just a useful getting-about accessory while travelling and walking.
On boarding the crowded Metros lovely little aged Nonna's would at once get up and kindly make me take their seat.
Embarrassingly amusing, their benevolence was so heartfelt and not wanting to disappoint them I'd have to fake my gait marginally.
Leonie Stein
I’m an experienced councillor with a common sense approach; I work tirelessly with a can-do attitude. If elected, as deputy mayor I will bring balanced decision-making and diversity to the role; I believe both roles require commitment, availability and openness. If re-elected I will focus on things that matter: continued infrastructure improvements, maintaining low rate increases, better services for sufferers of mental health, improving communications with our community, just to name a few. I’m passionate about Dorset, which is why I live and work here.