Save Our
Sydney Suburbs (NSW) Inc.
News
Release April 2004
Local Government Elections
Hi SOS Members
Local resident action groups in Ryde and Gosford selected candidates to stand
for their councils under the SOS banner in the March 2004 Local Govenment Elections.
While the SOS candidates did not succeed in getting elected, considering this
was a first time effort fighting against long established parties and groups
they did surprisingly well. SOS had no funds to contribute to their campaigns
and the local groups, apart from using existing SOS posters, had to finance
themselves.
In Ryde Barry Hadaway marginally lost in spite of being in the lead early in
the count. Graeme Cordiner also did well. However they were competing against
other groups who are estimated to have spent more than $100, 000 on their election
campaigns for posters, mailouts, how-to-votes and other advertising.
In Gosford SOS achieved 3141 primary votes. This was within 300 votes of outpolling
the outgoing deputy mayor Craig Doyle who had the advantage of previous incumbency
and much publicity.
The SOS teams report that standing under the SOS Party banner was a definite
advantage. No doubt the experience and exposure will have laid a good foundation
for future efforts. We express our appreciation to all those who took part.
SOS Inc committee member Monica Wangmann has been re-elected as an independent
in Ashfield. Monica writes "During my second term in office, I will do
my best for all the community whether they voted for me or not. Nor will it
matter if they are an eligible voter. Please let me know if there are issues
I can help resolve". Congratulations to Monica and best wishes for her
new term.
In Ku-ring-gai SOS member Laura Bennett has also been re-elected, standing once
again as an independent. This was a remarkable achievement as the Liberal Party
heavily backed so-called "independent" candidates, even to the extent
of State MPs Barry O'Farrell and Andrew Humpherson writing personalised letters
to all voters to vote for these candidates.
Tony Recsei
President
Save Our Suburbs (SOS)