What do we want from our Councillors?

Gosford Council by Val Bridge

Saturday 13th. September will see local elections. Check out the councils charter here. Already councillors are gearing up for your vote. Soon to be seen on street corners will be posters and banners, baby kissing [not sure about that one] and more promises than you can poke a stick at. This is an interesting article on Gosford, written a couple of years ago by Elizabeth Farrely for the SMH. Do you think it rings true?

 

 

Every four years we go into local election mode, elect ten councillors to level one in Mann Street and they get to pick who wears the gold chain. Will deals be done? Three major parties are represented, that is ALP, Libs and Greens. Following close behind is Central Coast First followed by a smattering of Independents. Just how many are standing is not yet clear, but there might be more than the ten positions on offer. This means watch out where preferences go. Go here for 2004 results. And here for final round up of candidates in 2004.

Currently on council we have Jim MacFadyen [ALP Mayor], Trevor Drake [Lib Deputy Mayor], Vikki Scott [ALP], Chris Holstein [Lib] Terri Latella [Green] Laurie Maher [Central Coast First] Peter Hale [Central Coast First] Robert Bell [Independent], and Craig Doyle [Independent]. Did I miss anyone? Ahh yes, Malcolm Brooks [Lib] although rumour  has it Malcolm may well be runnning on an Independent ticket this time, could be wrong there so keep an eye out. Will they all run again?

This is an opportunity to  express what you feel elected councillors should focus on. After all it is we, the community, who elect them. There is no doubting the community has a voice in how it wants to see this city of Gosford develop into the future. Chamber members have always been fairly passionate about their town and how it is presented.

Councillors therefore should be aware of our feelings, but they wont be unless you reveal them.

We are not sure yet what they will be promising but one thing is for sure, we have a protocol. Will that be compromised by the elected representatives in September?

Maybe we should ask that question of candidates.

We have aired some issues which need attention in Gosford in previous posts here, perhaps this is a good time to re-inforce some of those issues we want attended too. So over to you, this blog is read quite widely and if the stats are anything to go by, quite popular as well.

Get your grunt going………. No beat-ups please, we do moderate the comments.

Is parking really an issue in Gosford?

Do you know where the best parking spots are in town? Are there any such places left?

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Mann Street, Gosford [copyright Val Bridge

If anybody really doubts we live in one of the country’s fairest parts, they shouldn’t, but never-the-less there are things needing attention. Like that neglected building.

Will we get those additional 400 odd car parking spaces promised to us by the Member for Robertson? She’s in a bit of a pickle at the moment and may not be in a position to accomplish future commitments. A question is. “Will Federal Labor deliver on this promise, regardless who the sitting member is?” We may well get a by-election yet.

A recent conversation with one of the CBD’s larger employers said that parking for his staff was the single biggest issue facing him.  Public transport is fairly inadequate, hardly surprising to hear that!

Undesireables seem to know where people that work in the CBD park their cars and many reports have surfaced of vehicle break-ins taking even minor items but leaving owners with expensive window repair jobs.

CBD workers find the daily charge to park in Baker Street uneconomical, Gosford Town Shopping Centre encourages you to make a purchase for parking there, Imperial Centre is not an option and workers can forget trying their luck in Gateway so its off to the side streets. That’s where the thieves lurk.

If one does the math and takes into account weekday commuter parking and equate the ammount of cars from the CBD’s larger employers wanting to park, then little wonder there’s not a lot of space left for visitors.

Most free parking around town is limited and going over your time will bring you a $79.00 fine. yes I’ve had a few. Rangers just doing their job etc.

Chamber through the now retired CBD committee has pursued this issue for ages. It was not that long ago chamber President, Bob Bourne, announced a slight victory with the facility of a five minute pick up/drop off outside Gosford Post Office. We have yet to see council workers with a pick axe or two get there.

So, whats left? Anyone feel parking is OK in Gosford or do you feel we need a bit more? Do you know of any secret little spots, if so will you share them or keep them secret? I am sure our readers would love to know. Maybe one for the protocol eh! What’s that disease called, ‘PARKincensed’