Month: September 2021

I received my ballot paper today Friday 24 September.

I have voted for Adele Carles, although she literally slept with the enemy.  However, I think the only real alternative – Hannah Fitzhardinge – represents development at any cost.

I remember that the very first thing Hannah voted for in Council was to make into some kind of tavern the weighbridge in the centre of a traffic island also crossed by a railway line.  She also supported the crazy idea of a brewery in J Shed.  And big concrete boxes for film studios on South Wharf.

Reckless development is not an intelligent way forward—and does not give any attention to the needs of people in the community.

Looking at the positive: isn’t it good that the three only real contenders for the job of mayor are women?

As ‘heritage’ is a key word on this website, I am looking to see if and how any of the candidates use it in their brief platform on the Council’s page.

Fedele Camara writes, ‘As a 4th generation crayfisher I respect Fremantle’s rich diverse heritage, that is intrinsically linked to the Port.’

Adin Lang: ‘… we need to increase our CBD population, but not at the expense of existing residents or heritage…’

Craig Ross: ‘I am committed to addressing heritage … initiatives…’

Mark Woodcock: ‘… bring back a focus on heritage…’

Andrew Sullivan: ‘I offer my heritage and planning skills…’ [Are there ‘heritage skills‘? Knowledge, maybe, interest, enthuasiasm?]

The mayoral election may be close. Adele Carles is a strong candidate. Much may depend on how electors remember what happened ten years ago. Hannah Fitzhardinge may be seen as offering new leadership, despite her membership of the overspending Pettitt council, and she might stop the Carles comeback to public life.

Voting might be ranked in this order:

Hannah Fitzhardinge
Adele Carles
Marija Vujcic
Rod Grljusich
Martin Douthwaite

For Council, I’m predicting Fedele Camarda for Beaconsfield (for perseverance, and lack of a credible opponent).

City Ward is one of the most complex and important in the whole state, and a move to a ‘forensic accountant’, in Craig Ross, may be seen to be a good idea. However, Adin Lang, the incumbent, is fighting on, and may win.

Jenny Archibald is, unsurprisingly, unopposed in East Ward.

Ben Lawver should have the local popularity in Hilton enough to get him across the line in the vacancy caused by Sam Wainwright’s retirement (the last Fremantle waterside worker to hold public office?)

Doug Thompson is the old pro, very long-term incumbent in North Ward, and there is a lack of a credible opponent.

I doubt that Andrew Sullivan is seen as completely trustworthy in South Ward, and electors may think it’s time for a change – perhaps to a smart lawyer like Steven Pynt.

I’m predicting three new councillors to go with the new mayor.

https://fremantlestuff.info/council/elections2021.html