Anne Napoli
Age: 56
Occupation:
Partner at A&A Napoli Builders
Marital status: Married
Affiliation:
Sharing a ticket with Mike Neville and Paul Rossetto
Standing for: Councillor and mayor
1. You have had two terms on council, what do you think you can bring to this next council in what will be your third term?
I would like to continue to represent the best interests of our wonderful community. I apply myself 100 per cent to my role as councillor and there are still projects that I would like to see completed. I have a lot of experience as a councillor and also 12 months as the deputy mayor, but you never stop learning.
2. What do you see as priorities for council for the next four years?
The completion of the Griffith Community Private Hospital with the teaching facilities and also the expansion of Griffith airport and securing a reliable airline service for the city.
I would also like to see a university campus be established in Griffith.
I believe if young people work and
train in this community they will stay here. I also believe in rate pegging –
it’s important that rates are safeguarded to keep rates and charges as low as possible for residents.
3. You have said that you are running as mayor to support Mike Neville and help direct preferences his way. Bearing in mind that he is facing a serious criminal trial one month after the election, which could force a costly by-election, why are you making so strong an affiliation?
I believe everyone is innocent until proven guilty and I’m no judge. Mike asked me to run for mayor and yes I did it to support him with my preferences should he get more votes, but he also believes I can lead the community and deliver what it needs if that’s the way the vote goes. Mike has been a great mayor and when he had time off over the years with illness I went to visit him in hospital and he was always snowed under with work. He continued to work from his hospital bed and that’s dedication and commitment to the community.
4. You have been a strong advocate and supporter of the private hospital and the need to increase disability services; do you think you run the risk of being seen as a two-issue candidate?
I would hate to think the community would think I only had two issues. I have got the best interest of all the community at heart, regardless of background. I believe in the economic growth of Griffith, I believe in representing the best interest of the community and I’m a good lobbyist and will lobby for every issue that is in the best interests of the community.
5. You’re seen as a passionate and hard-working councillor, but you have been criticised for lacking a grasp of finer policy detail. How important is a detailed knowledge of council and what work have you done to address this?
Lots of reading and when you’re not sure about something, ask. It all goes back to the fact that no one can know everything 100 per cent of the time and being able to admit that you’re not sure and willing to look into it and become knowledgable about it is important.