1. You’re known as a community-minded person and have been on a number of local committees. Do you have the technical experience and intellectual rigour to be one of the city’s 12 decision-makers?
Absolutely, I’m very much a thinker. I don’t give an answer without thinking about it. I weigh things up and balance things out. I’ve been running my business for 40 years quite successfully and am very good with finances so when it comes time to decide on financial issues I think I’m more than qualified to do that.
2. The community has been outspoken about its dislike for factions on council, yet you have closely aligned yourself with Dino Zappacosta. What guarantee can you give the community that you will vote independently?
When I was asked to join Dino, the first question I asked was, “You don’t expect me to go along with every decision you make, do you?” Because I won’t. If I believe in it, I will, but if I think differently, I won’t. We’re grouped together but we’re individual thinkers and we will do what’s best for the community.
3. Why have you so strongly opposed the sale of the Railway Street block when so many at council believe it is the right decision?
I’m good with finances and to sell a block of such great value at a time when the market is down is ludicrous. It should have been kept and council could have found money for the hospital elsewhere if necessary. They should have kept the block for a couple of years until it went up in value. I also thought it was a fantastic idea to keep it for our civic centre.
4. You’ve mentioned the Railway Street block is what spurred you to run for council. Don’t you run the risk of being seen as a one-issue candidate? What other issues are you passionate about?
I’m not a one-issue candidate. When I heard about the Railway Street sale, I decided then and there but I have been thinking about running for council for a while and I was going to stand for the next term. I am passionate about the water issue, like everyone else, the airport and getting more reasonably priced and reliable air services, and I’d like to look at rail and bus transport to get more people out here. I’d really like to see more tourism to boost the retail sector and I believe, with the private hospital, our base hospital is going to improve. There are many, many issues I would like to look at.
5. There are currently only three women representing the community on council. Why do you think it’s important that there are more female representatives?
Women look at things in different ways to men. Our brains work differently. I think women have a lot to offer to council with their perspectives of different situations.