Tara Murray
Seven current Hume councillors have confirmed they will be standing for re-election at the October local government elections.
Meanwhile, two councillors have indicated that they won’t be standing.
All four Aitken ward councillors, including mayor Carly Moore, have indicated that they will be standing.
Cr Moore said she had much more to offer.
“Over the past four years I have had the great honour of serving our community as councillor, deputy mayor and mayor,” she said.
“It has been an amazing experience. I am very proud of what I have been able to achieve so far, but now more than ever, our community needs strong leadership.”
Councillor Drew Jessop, who has been on council since 1997, will again seek election.
“My desire is to assist the community in all that I do, especially during the pandemic, as council has a vital role in helping us come through this health and economic disaster, and planning for the future ahead.
“I especially want to help reduce rates, provide quality services, and build vital infrastructure, plus assist businesses and the farming community in getting them back on their feet, as jobs will be critical in our recovery.”
Councillor Joseph Haweil said that he would prioritise financial support to re-build local businesses, attract new jobs and businesses to Hume and seek government investment in local stimulus projects if he was re-elected.
“Over the last four years I have worked hard to secure enhanced road and community infrastructure, successfully secured millions of dollars in increased funding for indented parking in narrow streets, advocated for CCTV to tackle crime and destruction of community spaces, opposed council’s addiction to infringements revenue and been one of the strongest local government voices in Australia against the evils of the pokies gambling industry. “
Councillor Jodi Jackson is also seeking a second term on council and highlighted her five priorities for the next four years.
She wants to focus on waste and investing more money to reduce the problem of illegal dumping; undertake a comprehensive review of Hume’s park and open space strategy and increase spending in that are; overhaul the planning process to make it cheaper, quicker and clearer for residents and take a hard line on new unit developments; duplicate several key roads including Aitken Boulevard, Craigieburn, Somerton and Mickleham roads; and make affordable and accessible community facilities.
In the Meadow Valley ward, councillor Karen Sherry is the only current councillor to confirm she is standing.
She said she had taken up studying urban planning to help with residents concerns and have a more informed voice.
“I want Hume City residents to be well housed, well-educated and engaged in employment (where possible),” she said.
“I want them to continue to enjoy our open space and recreational facilities but also to have what other parts of Melbourne take for granted such as a wider range of educational and job opportunities, and good transport facilities. In this term of council I have been passionate about the issue of housing security particularly for vulnerable people. As a result, I am proud that in 2020-21, the council will develop an affordable housing strategy and investigate the need for youth crisis accommodation, and I want to be a leading contributor in these discussions.”
Councillors Jana Taylor and Naim Kurt said they were still deciding whether they would stand.
Cr Kurt said he had plenty of community support to stand again and still had enthusiasm for the people of Hume.
Councillor Geoff Porter has decided after 16 years that he won’t be standing again.
Cr Porter is Hume’s only three-time mayor.
In Jacksons Creek, Cr Jack Medcraft said he wanted to give ratepayers a strong, independent, determined voice on council.
“I have been able to achieve great results in the past with the ALP councillors and have no hesitation in doing so again to get the best results for Jacksons creek residents.
“There are a number of things I want to see completed such as the new extension at Leo Dineen Reserve, improvements to the facilities at Westmeadows sports club, as well as a tiered car park and third road crossing in Sunbury which I have been advocating strongly for over the last few years.
“I want to get back on council so that these projects do happen.”
Councillor Leigh Johnson had planned to stand for re-election but made the decision over the weekend that he wouldn’t.
Councillor Ann Potter didn’t respond.
