Sworn in for a second term

On Monday, 7 April 2008, I was sworn in for my second term on Council.  The formalities were presided over by Darwin's new Lord Mayor, Graeme Sawyer and CEO Allan McGill.

It was humbling to return for another term, having received a high 37% of the primary votes. I campaigned on local issues and my belief that to be an effective local alderman, you should live in the ward.

Former aldermen, Dorothy Fox and Chris Tilley lost their seats and were replaced by Fred Marrone and Robyn Leslie in Waters Ward and Greg Jarvis in Chan Ward. Jan Collins in Richardson Ward retired and did not contest her seat.

Elections over

With local government elections now over, it's time to get on with many of the projects commenced, but not completed during my first term.

I would like to see Council make a start on the refurbishment of one of  our pools.

I support newly elected alderman, Greg Jarvis' push for additional bike paths and a better link of our current paths.

Time to wait

Many candidates in last weekends local government elections are awaiting the final distribution of preferences which will take place on Friday evening at 6pm at the NT Electoral Commission offices in Darwin.

Postal votes have until Friday at 6pm to come in. They are then added to the primary votes of each candidate before the preferences are distributed. All results should be known that evening.

Whilst I polled well at 37.5% in a field of four candidates in my ward, none of the others preferenced me - giving me a four on each of their how to vote cards. I am hoping that there is sufficient 'leakage' ie. people who did not follow the how to vote cards, to push me over the line.

A nervous time for many of us.