As the Griffith City Council byelection approaches, The Area News chats with the candidates to see what makes them tick.
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Name: Roly Zappacosta
Age: 48
Family: Married to Giselle for 25 years with three kids, Matthew 23 who is an apprentice refrigeration mechanic, recently engaged, Patrick, 21 who is a personal trainer, and Angel who is in Year 10 at Murrumbidgee Regional High School.
What do you do for a living? CEO of the Coro Club, been in the hospitality industry for the past 25 years and loving it.
How long have you lived in Griffith? Our family has been in Griffith most of our lives.
What is the best part of living in Griffith? The community spirit, friends and family, there is always somebody to give you a hand if needed.
Why are you running for council? I feel that the community wants some new blood. I have taken an interest in council for some time now and feel that I want to represent the community and make some change.
I have been a part of the tourism and events committee for the past five years, so I know what to expect and am council ready, not afraid to fight for the community for what they want.
How would you assess the performance of the current council? They are doing a good job, however I think there is room for improvement.
Especially with the development application process, an area I would love to understand better as many people have spoken to me about this.
What would you lobby for? Lake Wyangan: a massive tourist attraction and we need a clean lake. An outdoor swimming pool.
Education: I want to see the university grow so our children don't have to move away after school. Better roads, and work towards moving the containers and trucks out of the city
What are the main issues you see? Lake Wyangan and the Blue-green algae. No outdoor pool. The container hub in the centre of town and the trains around 3-3.30pm just as school is out.
The lack of university courses for the school leavers, and the Griffith Base Hospital is overdue for a revamp.
What are the best ways council can help businesses prosper? I am on the Tourism and Events committee and we are always looking to bring events to the city, however we need to look at the DA process for businesses to expand and invest.
What major projects would you champion? Lake Wyangan and getting activities happening such as paddle boats, aqua zone and a massive fountain to help circulate and clean the water.
Outdoor pool, better roads and working towards moving the trucks out of the city.
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