Running for Lord Mayor is about wanting to do something not wanting to be something, says Lord Mayoral hopeful Laurance Goodman.
Mr Goodman, a director of realtor Time Conti Sheffield, said he had made arrangements to leave the agency if elected to scotch any innuendos of misuse of his office.
He said the Lord Mayor’s position gave an automatic seat on many committees such as the WA Planning Commission as well as the ear of the Premier.
“I think it is up to the Lord Mayor to use those opportunities. He needs to show how to move forward with the government of the day to develop the capital city,” Mr Goodman said. “There has already been some erosion of the council’s influence.”
The East Perth Redevelopment Authority has stretched its boundaries to cover much of the eastern city gateway.
Mr Goodman said the WA Government had foreshadowed moves to wrest control of parking from the council.
Parking revenues provide the council with about $24 million annually.
“The erosion will continue unless the new council is able to get things done,” Mr Goodman said.
He said Perth did not need a planner — it needed a plan.
“I want to set down a plan that says we know where we’re going for the next 20 years and a four year plan — for the life of the current council,” Mr Goodman said. “That way we’ll have a measure by which we’re judged.”
He agreed any plan had to be made in consultation with city stakeholders such as the WA branch on the Property Council of Australia and the WA Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Mr Goodman is undecided about his council future if he fails to win this election. His seat as a councillor is secure for another two years.
“I intend to stay providing there is a mix of people that lets us get on with the job,” Mr Goodman said.
