Albany mayoral contest 2023: Candidates deliver final pitches ahead of Saturday’s local election

There are only days left until the final votes will be cast to decide who leads Albany as its mayor for the next four years. Every Thursday in the lead-up to the October 21 election The Advertiser has asked each candidate a key question to give our community a better insight into who they are voting for. This week we asked the candidates: Their 100-word responses have been ordered according to how the candidates will appear on the ballot paper. Lynn MacLaren We have a real opportunity to elect a new and vibrant council. One that will protect and enhance the values that make Albany unique, while listening to and acting for the community. Albany has the social, arts and environmental resources to excel as a progressive region rather than continue to be seen as being steered and guided by outdated 20th century values that drove us toward climate change. While some in our community have benefitted, others say the current council has held Albany back. Albany could become a best-case example of a responsive, nature-positive, carbon-neutral, welcoming local government. Greg Stocks With 12 years of local government knowledge and experience, including eight years as deputy mayor, I will deliver balanced, fair decision-making. I am not a single-issue mayoral candidate. We can make Albany a better place to live by encouraging investment in childcare facilities, upgrading ALAC and the airport, improving our road network, delivering a world-class 2026 Bicentennial event, solving our current housing issues by opening up North Yakamia via Range Road and encouraging industry investment like the Southdown project. I seek for your vote to help make Albany a better place to live, work and play. Cheryl Kneebone It is very important that people put their vote in if they really want Albany to become a more decisive city that can see great development without taking away from its natural quality. There is much to be looked forward to in getting the right strategy in place, as many people have been telling me, and I am in accord with them, that there is a lot more we can do to make it an enlightened place in the future. Matt Benson-Lidholm Voting in local government elections always determines the nature of a community’s future and its vision. Voters ultimately make a difference because community needs, services and infrastructure are invariably delivered by those elected. All that’s required is knowledge of the candidates’ election platforms, and a commitment to vote! I continue to support the Albany community as a councillor and JP and previously served as a State MLC (deputy president), all evidence of quality experience and knowledge. My business involvements, board memberships and community volunteer undertakings, demonstrate my commitment to Albany’s future. I seek your vote as Albany’s mayor. Scott Leary It’s time to ensure you are heard and a chance to have your say so get your vote delivered to the City offices by 6pm on Saturday. Join with me to continue Albany on a pathway of sustained, responsible growth to ensure our future. Together as a community, we can deliver better outcomes for housing, homelessness, youth, seniors, families and health. Let me bring a fresh perspective to Council, fresh ideas and leadership. My business background and community service leave me well-equipped to guide us through Albany’s next chapter. Vote 1 – Scott Leary. Ken Kelly I prefer to listen and hear people about what is working well, what they are worried about and what they think needs to happen to shift the direction of where we are heading as a community. Every person and business in Albany are equal in their influence, say and opinion and should be provided with an opportunity to provide feedback on matters affecting them. Through my work experience and knowledge, I have the ability to engage with people and businesses from different backgrounds. Chris Thomson I’m not here to pitch. I’m here to pitch in — for Albany. Over the past four years, no Albany city councillor has worked harder or raised more successful motions than me. My councillor colleagues have elected me to leadership positions and I’ve helped a lot of residents. As the level of government closest to the people, the council often attracts the most commentary. The most effective commentary you can make about the council is to vote at the 2023 local election. For a mainstream mayor who cares about Albany’s people and future, vote 1 Chris Thomson.