TEAM EFFORT AS BLOMELEY EYES MAYOR JOB
CLARENCE alderman Brendan Blomeley wants to be the city’s next mayor – and the Liberal Party stalwart has chosen former Labor minister Allison Ritchie as his candidate for deputy.
Mr Blomeley, who was first elected to council in 2000, says his Better Clarence Team will provide “new leadership and a fresh approach to the way Clarence City Council operates”.
Ms Ritchie, who was the youngest person elected to the Legislative Council, was for a short time in 2008 the minister for planning and workplace relations.
His team also includes three candidates for alderman, including business manager Anthony James, the nephew of sitting alderman Richard James, small-business woman Noelle Harb and Aboriginal author and academic Kaye McPherson.
Mr Blomeley said he was delighted to be leading an experienced, diverse and passionate team.
“Party politics should have no place in local government,” he said.
“Allison has a strong record of representing her community and that’s why I approached her to join my team and run for deputy.
“As we battle with rising cost of living expenses, the Better Clarence Team will ensure council gets back to basics and focuses on delivery of core services: roads, rubbish collection, local parks, sporting and community facilities, whilst keeping rates as low as possible.”
Mr Blomeley wants Clarence to get a “fair share of investment in essential services and infrastructure that our city desperately needs” and, with 191km of coastline, to address climate change and rising sea levels.
“There are many social and economic benefits that will flow from world-class five-star hotels in Clarence,” he said. “Importantly, the tourism dollars will support local jobs and create a vibrant night economy.”
Mr Blomeley also wants Clarence to have its own multipurpose civic and cultural arts community centre, improvements to sporting and community facilities and all-abilities playgrounds. He also is advocating for an expansion of the River Derwent ferry service and the establishment of wharf infrastructure at Lindisfarne, Opossum Bay, Tranmere and Howrah.
Ms Ritchie, who is the general manager of the Hobart Police and Community Youth Club, said she has dedicated most of her working life to improving the lives of others.
“As all levels of government are navigating unprecedented times, it is very important that councillors reflect and represent the communities they serve and also have a broad range of skills, independence and life experience,” she said.
“This is a unique ‘community ticket’ that is all about making Clarence a better place for the future.”