Local election 2019: Q&A with City of Mandurah's crop of candidates

Local government elections will be held across Western Australia on October 19, with postal votes sent out on September 25.

The City of Mandurah jurisdiction is broken down into four wards. This year, 22 candidates have stepped up to contest six vacancies across the City.

They will be vying for a four-year term due to expire on October 21, 2023.

The Mandurah Mail has asked the 22 candidates three questions each, in an attempt to help voters decide who gets their vote.

Questions put to each candidate:

The candidates are in the order they appear on the Western Australian Electoral Commission website.

In the Coastal Ward, seven candidates have nominated for two vacancies - Adriana (Jenny) Green, Bob Pond, Adam Woodage, Brad Bedford, James Lee Yates, Candice Di Prinzio and Bradley Chalke.

1. My family has resided in Dawesville for 35 years, during which time I have seen significant residential growth. I have been involved in community groups and service committees and am passionate about tackling and delivering practicable outcomes. I participate in community events and I enjoy interacting with people, young and aged. I care about people and can use my advocacy and local government skills to support residents who encounter difficult situations.

2. In the Coastal Ward, I will focus on a review of the South East Dawesville Channel Foreshore revitalisation plan to ensure it meets the needs of the Dawesville community and address concerns of beach sand degradation affecting Dawesville Cut water. In general, I want to reduce anti-social behaviour, support tourism initiatives, resolve associated issues including increased parking needs, traffic congestion, rubbish removal, sewerage systems and increased demand on potable water.

3. As a qualified psychologist, I provided consulting services to the Defence Department and Woodside Offshore where I focused on assisting people who struggled to deal with issues that required practicable resolution. I strive for successful outcomes and consider it important for councillors to connect with residents in order to promote a desire to live in Mandurah, rather than a desire to leave. As a ratepayer, I am mindful of excessive funding for regional development.

1. I am a 20 year resident of Mandurah's Coastal Ward. I raised a family here and have actively contributed to sporting and environmental groups and council initiatives including Mandurah Matters. Through work and business, I have interacted closely with many areas of City activities like planning, building, health, recreation and waterways services. I have an excellent understanding of government functioning. I nominated to contribute leadership and good government of the city we call home.

2. I am not running to push any single project or agenda. I want to see the City shape initiatives that use our strengths to promote opportunities for people to grow and be their best, while working to protect and enhance the places and environment we live in. Mandurah is a special place and I will work to protect what is unique to the magnificent lifestyle we enjoy, with the resources the community can afford.

3. I have demonstrated long-term commitment to this community. I am fortunate to have the skills and education that will contribute to furthering the development of our City in a way that protects the natural base that supports our life. An open-minded and progressive thinker, I have the abilities and temperament to work cooperatively with a broad range of people. I am not pushing a single issue or expensive project, but simply seek to serve.

1. I have nominated for the Coastal Ward after being urged by people, from multiple community and sporting groups that I'm involved in, who feel the council has not been representing them. As a licensed electrician, I have worked from West Africa to the Gobi Desert in Mongolia. I believe, given my life experiences, I have a broad knowledge that can be utilised in council. I live in Dawesville and my family has a longstanding connection as well.

2. I will focus on ageing amenities, such as skate parks, buildings, local roads, and footpaths - to name a few. I will also address general congestion-busting requirements such as the Mandurah Estuary Bridge, which is in desperate need of additional lanes, a lack of shade on all bus stops, and to continue to work with departments and governments to kibosh the use of drugs. Whether it is a local, state or federal issue, the community needs someone to push these concerns.

3. Having grown up in the region, I want to improve all aspects of our great community. I have no qualms with getting my hands dirty and working for the community. We need people working in the elected council realm who will do a hard day's work - someone who knows that continual rises in rates, with mortgage stress growing and house prices falling, is not the correct move.

1. I have a strong connection with Mandurah, having family here for over 40 years. I have nominated to stand for Council as I believe, as a businessman of some 25 years dealing with people from all walks of life, I can contribute to see Mandurah flourish and maintain its position as a vibrant and economical place for the residents to enjoy, be safe and continue to thrive through tourism.

2. I will regularly consult with people in the Coastal Ward through a Q&A forum. I want to focus on children's school crossings, crime, rates, providing milk to primary schools, creating a 24-hour medical hub, improving apprentice training, safer roads, Lakelands Train Station, electric cars for council, electric charging stations, dog exercise parks, more recreational jetties, ensuring the accountability and transparency of all local government decisions, homeless shelters and safer beaches through patrols during school swimming lessons and on weekends.

3. I am an honest, genuine, sincere person, that comes from a working class family with strong family values. I have worked in both government (Westrail) for 17 years and private enterprise - running my own business from scratch for 25 years. During my time in business, I worked with Alannah MacTiernan and the late Don Randell to re-introduce apprentice training. My business won multiple prestigious Telstra Small Business Awards for Entrepeneur and Small Business of the Year.

1. Mandurah has law and order issues. Good law and order is the bedrock for a safe and secure community. If the bedrock cracks, then the community crumbles. We must maintain a solid foundation of law and order. I want to ensure our bedrock remains solid. I did so when I served Mandurah as a police officer. This is my home, my family lives here and I want to keep it safe.

2. Police response times are too long. I will continue to oppose Point Grey development. Lease costs for commercial retail is too high. Relocation, closure of the CBD soup kitchen. Completion of the Falcon Bay Reserve. Maintenance of parks and play equipment. Shark Barrier Net installation. Greater community participation with groups like Coastal Waste Warriors and Guardians of the Estuary to preserve the environment and waterways. Problems residents face because of Airbnb rentals.

3. I acknowledge military veterans who have preserved our right to vote. My service history is well documented - firstly to country in the defence force and secondly to WA as a police officer. I served in Mandurah. Most recently, I served as secretary to the Medical Retired Police Officers Association and campaigned for Redress. I was part of a team that assisted with the development and delivery of Redress. Now it's time to wholeheartedly serve Mandurah.

1. I love Mandurah. I am a passionate Falcon resident, I have grown up here and lived here for the past 31 years. I have loved being a party of the story that is unfolding within our beautiful city - one of vibrancy, growth and community spirit. I have nominated as I want to ensure those in the Coastal Ward feel heard and have their ideas put forward to extend our increasingly vibrant centre through our region.

2. I am passionate about the addition of events that encourage community connection within our area, such as family friendly food truck evenings, neighbourhood safety programs and activities which ensure our youth are occupied and educated. I will always push for the protection and preservation of our natural environments, as well as ways in which we can aid our local struggling businesses and families keep more dollars in their own pockets through maintaining lower council rates.

3. I understand the importance of leadership and bringing people together to combat challenges faced by residents and local businesses. I am energetic and passionate about our community and I'm not afraid to make the hard decisions and do the hard work. I'll work tirelessly to be your trusted voice and make the hard decisions in the best interests of our community and the Coastal Ward, as a whole.

1. I have lived and worked within the Mandurah area for the last 10 years. I love so many things about Mandurah but can see some areas that need improvement. Within my job as a residential property valuer, I speak to Mandurah residents about what is going on within their individual suburbs. I would love to be a spokesman for the residents and keep the council accountable. I want to do my part and be more involved with different projects and issues within the area.

2. I want to focus on bringing our trading hours in line with the rest of Perth, developing a strategy to combat drugs and crime, live streaming council meetings so it is open for everyone to see and keeping our beaches and waterways safe, clean and usable. For example, releasing stagnant pools of water on Doddies Beach and raking seaweed and litter from the most popular beaches. I will also be lobbying for a fourth Lane on the Mandurah Road Bridge.

3. I'm approachable, I listen and I want to help translate ideas and concerns from the residents to council to take action. I want to help Mandurah realise its potential by listening to the people and doing my part to help.

In the East Ward, Don Pember, Kerry Beake, Daniel Wilkins and renominating councillor Shane Jones have put their hats in the ring.

1. I am passionate about community, and I see the issues with community safety and engagement. Generally, there is a lack of connection across Mandura, and I want to help change that - to ensure Mandurah is connected, safe and secure. I have lived in Mandurah since 1995 and before then, was in Pinjarra. I was CEO of Peel Health Campus until 1993, and after that, CEO of Coolibah Total Caring. My children have gone to school and played sport here and brought their own children up here. I am passionate about Mandurah continuing to grow, engage and thrive.

2. The issue with enough beds at Peel Health Campus is definitely important for me, as is the need for more family and youth services plus more CCTV and security to protect our families and children. Rates need to stay at a level that families can afford and only be raised when required. Supporting small business is also a passion of mine to help our local economy, plus keep jobs in Mandurah.

3. I'm a local family man, with my own daughters now living with their children in Mandurah. I'm standing for them, as the younger generations coming up - I want to ensure this beautiful city continues to grow and thrive. Mandurah is my home, I am passionate about it and will be the voice of East Ward in council.

1. I've nominated to improve accountability and the conversations between council and the residents they represent. I have been frustrated and disappointed over the years by the lack of response to my own issues by councillors, bar a couple of who work hard and honour their role. I feel that I can offer residents what they deserve - someone who will, at the very least, respond and acknowledge their concerns.

2. Mandurah is incredibly diverse, which I love, but it feels like there are many competing agendas with a priority for some over others. One group should not be forgotten or sacrificed in favour of another. This matters to me as I know that strong, connected and inclusive communities are happier, healthier and more productive. We all deserve to feel we belong and are valued regardless.

3. I am a passionate, independent, self-funded candidate who is a regular community member. I'm motivated by a love of Mandurah, the people and businesses that make up this community and our unique and amazing environment. I want to not just protect what we have but ensure that we can ensure that this is sustainable for the future. I am not afraid to speak up and out. I'm not afraid of hard work and I care.

1. I love Mandurah and I see no greater honour than helping shape its future by representing our community as a councillor. This city has been a part of my life for over 35 years. We holidayed here as a kid, I did my schooling at Glencoe and Coodanup and now raise a family of my own in Dudley Park. I want my kids to have the opportunities I did, growing up in this amazing city.

2. Community safety has to be a priority. Advocating for more police is important, but at a local government level, we need to focus on reconnecting neighbourhoods. More deterrents like more CCTV and better lighting in known hotspots for anti-social behavior. We need to minimise financial stress by keeping any rate rises to a minimum. We need to support infrastructure, job growth and youth training opportunities. Protection of our waterways is incredibly important as they are our city's greatest asset. As well as upgrades and maintenance of our neglected parks and reserves, especially the Coodanup Foreshore.

3. I believe that residents deserve to be involved. Together, through engagement and discussion, we can strengthen our already great community. East Ward needs new representation and, with a fresh voice, we can help our city to grow and develop.

1. I wish to continue working with our incredible community, achieving the best possible outcomes and endeavouring to work on household waste not going to landfill. I have truly invested in the community. My family and I have lived in Mandurah for more than 30 years, raised three children and I have become a proud grandfather to a beautiful girl. I am involved in sporting clubs and community groups and love the beaches and estuary. Mandurah is my home.

2. Our community deserves to feel safe and the current policing model is not working. We need to work with the state government to create a model that fits Mandurah. To improve and protect our environment, waterways, foreshores and nature reserve. Chairing the Peel Community Kitchen and assisting other non-for-profits has educated me. Pensioners and the elderly need our support. My goal is finding long term sustainable solutions whilst having the right people involved.

3. Throughout 12 years' service to our community as your city councillor, I have always been committed and worked hard to be the East Ward's voice on council and be a tireless contributor to our city. My experience means that I have an understanding of the community's needs and expectations. I have built a family here, Mandurah is my home and I understand the issues facing our community and the concerns of the local residents.

There are two vacancies in the North Ward, with Caroline Knight and Ron Wortley both renominating.

They will be joined by Coral Richards, Ahmed Zilani, Matthew Thompson, Mark Alexander Brzezinski and Gregg Tomlinson-Bell on the ballot paper.

1. I want this community to prosper and the environment to be sustained. I moved here as an active citizen 25 years ago. My service includes 20 years with the Peel Preservation Group, 10 years with Mandurah Murray Arts Council, 12 years with FinUCare, 15 years with Uniting Outreach Mandurah, six years on the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre board and four years with the Winjan Aboriginal Corporation. I was a City of Mandurah councillor from 1998-2002.

2. Maintaining the tree canopy and protecting our waterways to keep our city environmentally healthy for all to enjoy. Reviewing the formula for retail developments per head of population so local business can thrive and employ our local residents. Ensuring that Mandurah can continue to produce quality tourist attractions and attract overseas visitors as a sustainable employment opportunity and business investment - particularly with our local Aboriginal community members. Ensuring a vibrant arts community for all.

3. I have a track record of serving the Mandurah community. I am well connected across the community through education, welfare, business, environmental groups and our local Aboriginal families, and I have time to respond to concerns at a grassroots level. When I commit to a project, I am in it for the long haul and the hard work. I believe Mandurah has great potential and I want to help steer it in the right direction.

1. Permanently living Mandurah since 2010 with family, I have a bachelor degree in Engineering from USA and more than 25 years of professional business skills. I'm passionate about Mandurah and I have the qualifications and expertise to lead the community. As a full-time community voice, I recently went on Hunger Strike in July to create strong pressure on the state government to build the Lakelands Train Station urgently. I've been campaigning for more funds for Peel Health Campus and more police.

2. If elected, I will be your full-time councillor and will work outside the box to make Mandurah a better place to live. My priorities will be rates freeze, community safety, action on hoons, creating jobs, enclosed dog park, building Lakelands Train Station urgently and more funds for Peel Health Campus.

3. I'm not a 'winter bird', I'm your 'Train Man'. In the last two years, since standing for the North Ward, I've volunteered all my time working for this community. I want to prove my commitment to you by trying to make changes that benefit everyone. I'm a result-oriented people person with a strong vision. I don't want your vote just to win as a councillor, but to work for you. My win will send a strong message to the state government to fulfill the long-term vision of this community.

1. I nominated because I want Mandurah to be the best it can be. My wife and I built our home here and our daughter is about to start school here. I want her to be able to grow up in a vibrant community. Also, I'm libertarian at heart. The idea of becoming any sort of politician gives me the willies, but how else can I help limit government spending of our money?

2. I want to help unlock Mandurah's economic potential. To do that, I'd like to see trading hours extended to match the Perth Metropolitan area. That would let those of us who work away actually spend our money locally, instead of on the way home. I would vote against any increase in rates - more taxes won't help. I would support crowdfunding for specific projects. I'd also like to see the Lakelands train station actually built.

3. Because I don't have grand plans to spend your money, apart from basic services, council should be focused on allowing the population to prosper. Government, at any level, doesn't make a people wealthy. Beyond the basics, I believe the best thing a government can do is encourage people to help themselves and get out of the way as they do it.

1. I have nominated as a councillor because four generations of my family have lived in the North Ward for more than 50 years. With my local knowledge of the area and depth of social and family connections, I feel confident I am qualified to make informed, balanced council decisions which will respect the history of the area and reflect community expectations of thoughtful and sustainable development.

2. As a councillor, the key issues I see facing the City of Mandurah are employment, community safety, clean environment and youth disconnect. Young people need a relevant role model council who are not perceived as nepotistic demigods. Their future development requires a governance standard that they can identify with, showing characteristics of being informed, tech-savvy and independent, with councillors having worked and trained hard while being innovative and looking for opportunities outside of their comfort zone.

3. Voters should feel confident in allowing me to represent them because I am home-grown and self-made, having the means to retire at 43 years old. I am not motivated by making more money, therefore I cannot be bought by developers or big retailers or local government suppliers. If elected I promise, and you can expect, I will govern according to what is best for the community and not what serves the self interests of a few.

1. I have grown up in Mandurah and lived here for the past 15 years. I am involved with youth development at the local soccer club, Mandurah City FC. I currently work for a family business and have experience in providing services to companies such as BHP and Alcoa. I have nominated myself for council as I wish to serve the city in making it a better and more vibrant place.

2. Currently crime and homelessness needs to be addressed and, if elected, those will be areas I will intend to find resolutions. However, I also intend on helping our local associations as I understand how important they are in bringing people together and help to build stronger communities for our city. Lastly, I will be seeking to make sure our waterways and estuaries get the appropriate amount of funding - they are Mandurah's greatest asset.

3. I am someone that is committed and passionate to anything I am involved with. I am a fresh face that will bring fresh ideas to the council. My experience in work means I often find solutions to problems and am responsible in providing quality services to multi-national companies. If I am elected as councillor, this is the level of commitment and service you can expect from me.

1. I love being a councillor as I find it very rewarding. I'm a people person, I enjoy working with our residents to shape Mandurah and to be part of what makes our city great. Cindy and I have lived in Mandurah for 29 years, raised three sons and have become grandparents. Mandurah is our home and our next generation is growing up here. Mandurah is the perfect location with natural features, wonderful waterways and a huge lifestyle choice.

2. Environment, economics, education and employment, empathy and empowering the community. We must continue to preserve our environment and lobby state and federal governments for funding. Everyone, including council, has a part to play in assisting authorities with anti-social behaviour and health issues. I will focus on improving employment, education and training provisions. I encourage residents to support our local businesses. I will listen to our residents and ensure your views are represented in council decisions.

3. For 15 years I have consistently proven my integrity and honesty. I work for the people of Mandurah, stand by my actions and honour my responsibilities. This is not about me, it is about you - the residents. I put you first. I recognise we cannot please everyone all of the time however, I will openly communicate with all residents, ensuring a clear understanding and that you have the opportunity to be heard.

1. Having lived in Mandurah for over 25 years, I am passionate about this community. I have the privilege of being the deputy mayor - a role I was elected to by my fellow councillors in recognition of my leadership. My contributions to the Mandurah community include being the chair of the Peel Harvey Catchment Council, a deputy commissioner of the West Australian Planning Commission and I represent council on numerous boards.

2. Employment and the economy are the two biggest challenges Mandurah faces. Supporting and diversifying local business and creating local jobs and opportunities are central to ensuring community wellbeing. We need to invest in our young people, provide for our seniors and play a role in ensuring community safety. The environmental health of our waterways, our greatest asset, is central to ensuring a beautiful, clean environment for us all to enjoy for generations to come.

3. You expect a high level of practical, independent, transparent, common-sense decision making from your elected representatives. I provide these qualities, along with the significant addition of being committed and experienced, having delivered over the past eight years. Being a medical scientist, I'm a passionate advocate of healthy, active and connected communities. Mandurah is undergoing positive change that I've worked hard for. The work is not finished and I want to see it through.

Finally, there are four names to choose from in the Town Ward for one position. Renominating councillor Peter Rogers is up against Lynne Rowlands, Hayden Burbidge and James Booker.

1. I'm a registered nurse, Christian and fifth generation Mandurah. I've served my country in the Army and Air Force, been involved in mining for years, been a local business owner for 14 years and served as a Law Enforcement Officer. I have looked after our children, seniors, disabled, mental health, alcohol and drug affected and general patients for 20 years. While working in the emergency department at Peel Health Campus, a patient was on his knees crying, begging me to stop his addiction. He had lost everything and was living with his mother, who was more than 80 yrs old. This is when I knew things needed to change in Mandurah - something must be done to help those in need and I decided to join council.

2. Support for families with dependent patients; safety, support and entertainment for the elderly; disabled and homeless facilities and assistance; safety and lowering crime; more mental health and rehabilitation assistance; community infrastructure and all-ages entertainment; support and education for small businesses to advance and increase employment opportunities; revise protection for our wildlife and waterways and further education.

3. I have a genuine heart for the community's welfare. I believe that nothing is impossible - it just takes a little longer. I am here to hear the community's concerns, not mine, to represent your suggestions or issues and get you the best outcome possible.

1. I love Mandurah. Having lived here since 2011 and, as the owner of SportsPower Mandurah, I believe in our city's potential. I have gained a strong understanding of the local economy, along with the needs and concerns of the people. We all want to see Mandurah at its best and I'm excited to get involved and help lead the way.

2. There is a real need for real jobs in our city - jobs that are suited to our people. We also need to address health and safety seriously. The future of our community needs a solid economic development plan. Mandurah is well positioned geographically to play a key part in the WA economy and I believe that Mandurah will soon be known for its 'can do' attitude - a city that gets things done.

3. I'm an advocate for positive change that benefits the whole community. I believe that change needs to be both moral and ethical, creating a more harmonious community where all people are valued. We need change that empowers people to be their best. We're elected by the people to serve the people. I will serve the people of Mandurah with honesty, integrity and transparency. I would be humbled to be given such an honour and opportunity.

1. I have lived in Mandurah my entire life and it has been an honour to be a councillor for the last five years. I was educated locally, live in central Mandurah and am actively involved in our local sports and arts scenes. I believe that Mandurah is undergoing positive change but there is more to be done to address crime and safety concerns, grow our economy, boost tourism and protect our beautiful waterways and beaches.

2. Mandurah's main issue is unemployment and the economy. Since 2016, our unemployment rate has dropped from its terrible double-digit figure and is now in line with the state average but there is more to be done to create jobs, diversify the economy, offer more training and education and provide opportunities for young people. Council has a role to play in addressing crime and safety issues, environmental protection and homelessness - all vital areas of community concern.

3. I offer council strong and stable leadership. I always act with integrity and in line with my values. I've delivered on my promise of independent, common-sense and community minded representation. I'm a results driven elected member. During my term I've delivered infrastructure wins including upgrades to Mandurah Bridge, Foreshore Seawall, the Aquatic Centre and Mandurah Forum, city centre revitalisation, better consultation with residents and local business and achieved better budgets by cutting wasteful spending.

1. I love Mandurah and have been passionately connected for over 60 years - as a child on annual family vacations, as an employee in local pharmacies and as a ratepayer and resident for more than 20 years. I've witnessed Mandurah's growth from fishing village to today's magnificent city. I'm nominating to advocate on behalf of all fellow ratepayers. Mandurah ratepayers deserve qualified and experienced council representatives with the time and credentials to monitor and prioritise council spending.

2. To support existing agencies in combating crime, anti-social behaviour, drug issues and violence. To encourage local business to sponsor student and youth work programs. To ensure street lighting and roadside gardens are maintained and upgraded. To scrutinise the current rates policy, emphasising prioritisation of essential, not 'luxury,' council projects. To improve and maintain Mandurah's world-class waterways, ensuring recreational access and environmental sustainability. To develop solutions to homelessness, focusing on housing availability and affordability.

3. I'm a retired pharmacist and business owner with time to do the job properly. I believe I'm professionally qualified to interpret and comment on most council matters. I have post Graduate Diplomas in Education (Science/ Math), Natural Resources (Aquaculture), Mineral Economics (Finance), Drafting (Civil/Structural Engineering) and as a commercial pilot. My extensive experience includes work in the United Kingdom, Europe, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand in pharmacy, tourism, contracting and business management.