Candidates’ fresh approach

Two candidates in their early 20s give the City of Perth’s May 7 election a youthful complexion, as 14 people run for four vacancies.

City of Perth residents will choose from 14 candidates, with 10 new names and faces on the ballot papers and four existing councillors – Vincent Tan, Bert Tudori, Michael Sutherland and Judy McEvoy – to stand for re-election.

The 10 new candidates offer a mixture of youth and experience, and represent a diverse range of professional backgrounds.

Among those familiar with the process is high-profile Perth lawyer and former Cottesloe mayor, John Hammond.

Candidates have highlighted a range of issues they intend to support and work towards, including safety and security, CBD transport via CAT buses, the sinking of the railway line, protection of the Swan River and foreshore, and increasing the vibrancy of Perth as a cultural hub.

David Goncalves and Scott Fitzsimmons are the two youngest candidates in the running, both in their early 20s. However, neither thinks their youth will impact negatively on their chances.

“If anything, it will be a positive,” Mr Fitzsimmons told WA Business News.

Mr Goncalves said the reason he was running was simple, “I want to make Perth work,” he said.

“We need a range of safety programs, including security patrols and more security cameras.

“My experience as a deputy chief executive for a major non-profit organisation, my university studies in law, commerce and engineering and my fresh enthusiasm all mean that I can make Perth work for you.”

Mr Fitzsimmons said he doesn’t just own land, he lives and works in the city.

“I don’t have my own store to look after first, or any interests to cater for,” he said.

“I promise to fight for more public transport options, a new public school in the city and new tourist attractions.”

Ms McEvoy and Mr Sutherland have formed an alliance with two of the new faces – James Christou & Partners architect Chris Hardy, and television presenter Eleni Evangel.

Ms Evangel said she wanted to increase safety and security, improve parking and connect Northbridge to the city by sinking the railway line.

“Having worked in the city for many years, and as a property owner in the area, I am familiar with the issues that affect property owners, businesses, residents and visitors,” she said.

Better dialogue with the State Government is what Mr Hardy wants to achieve, as well as to develop the Perth Concert Hall as a new cultural precinct.

Neil Scott wants the City of Perth to work with police to clean up crime hotspots and to draw people back from the suburbs.

“Northbridge needs work and people must feel safe and welcome,” he said.

“I support a zero tolerance approach to antisocial behaviour.”

Hotel project manager Tony Pallotta wants to use his experience in the finance, tourism, hospitality and entertainment industries to improve tourism infrastructure and street life, including cafes.

Former Gallop Government press secretary Daniel Smith said he would use his experience from his days in the state development portfolio to represent City of Perth residents.

The 31-year-old said he wanted to implement the Northbridge Action Plan, boost arts funding, bring shops and schools to East Perth and investigate a light rail system linking West Perth to the CBD.

Mr Hammond said the CBD was right for a more “appropriate development”, including on the foreshore in front of the Convention and Exhibition Centre.

“Restaurants at the Barrack Street Jetty should be continued along and the area opened up and there needs to be a better connection between the CBD and the river,” he said.

 The two remaining candidates are Jean Jaquaniello and Bill Bradbury.

Mr Bradbury said he wanted a permanent home for WASSO, a revitalised Concert Hall and more financial backing for PIAF.

Ms Jaquaniello could not be contacted by WA Business News.

The 14 candidates will be fighting for four seats.

Almost 1,000,000 WA citizens will be involved in local government elections across the state, which represents about 85 per cent of those enrolled on the state electoral roll.

 About 320,000 electors will vote in the postal elections.