The trials and tribulations; Gosford Election

A smiling Terri Latella

 Well that’s it for another four years! What you voted for is what you might get and one wonders how many people went below the line to cast their vote. Judging by the results, not many.

Independents in this race, Helen Ryan and Allan Lotfizadeh, are at a distinct disadvantage and have a difficult job persuading voters to look beyond the group vote and mark off their choices below the line. However, they should be encouraged by the votes received.

With the state ALP in turmoil it was always going to be a difficult task for the six on Macfadyen’s team to put that behind them. Attracting 17.6% of the vote saw a 1.6% swing against them. Not a crisis but still significant bearing in mind the 2004 election results.

On the other hand the Holstein team cleaned up! Gaining over 35% of the vote saw a positive swing of more than 17% in their favour. The Liberals here could get three maybe four in to council from the seven on their ticket. Would it be good for Gosford to have a weighted Liberal team on council?

Onward to the next State election, Marie Andrews will probably retire and the ALP has yet to put a serious contender in place. The Grunt’s guess is Holstein may well put his hand up once again for state politics.

Central Coast First saw a swing of over 8% against them attracting just 12% of the vote. This party will have to do a lot better if they are to become a force on the coast. With six on the ticket they could only manage 7900 odd votes.

The Greens are the surprise gaining a swing of 8.1% and attracting more than 11,500 votes putting them way ahead of Central Coast First and third in overall results. Candidate Terri Latella seeking her second term as a Gosford councillor can hold her head high with this outcome. Her previous deputy mayor attempt, only to be foiled by Trevor Drake, should be given another go. There is a view on how she would be a valuable asset.

Craig Doyle’s group trounced the Brooks group by some 2000 odd votes and could return Craig Doyle to council. The final makeup of council is yet to be finalised.

However, we should see three from the Liberal Party, two from the ALP, and one from the Greens elected, which leaves four remaining positions to be decided from the following; Central Coast First, the Doyle and Brooks camp, an outside chance of a second Green party member as well as maybe one from the Trevor Drake ticket. It is still possible that a fourth Liberal might get up.

There are a few combinations and we just have to wait for the electoral commission’s final round up check out the final standings here..

Related articles;
A summary of results [Electoral Commission] clik on election night tab and download the spreadsheet for booths.
View 2004 local election results.
The view of Anthony Green, ABC’s election specialist.

Comments welcome.