McCarthy fends off criticism of affiliation with Greens

EMMA SPILLETT
espillett@kiamaindependent.com.au

SANDRA McCarthy is already fending off arrows of contention, less than one week into the new council term and her re-election as Mayor.

Rumours have emerged of a strong affiliation of power between Cr McCarthy, Greens Cr Ben van der Wijngaart and fellow Greens representative Cr Dare-Ward.

Cr Trevor Fredericks and Cr Ben van der Wijngaart were nominated for the position of deputy mayor last Friday and Cr van der Wijngaart was elected by a 6-3 majority.

But Cr McCarthy was quick to reject that there was any form of alliance and believes the new council is balanced.

“I think all the people who put forward for local government were there for the right reasons rather than personal agendas,” she said.

“When you look at the cold, hard facts, the council has no dominant faction or political presence.”

Cr Fredericks is not as convinced. He believes Cr McCarthy’s endorsement of Cr van der Wijngaart for deputy mayor was unexpected.

“I am disappointed as I expected to get the support of Sandra, especially as I’ve always supported (her) in any way possible,” he said.

Cr Fredericks said the election of the deputy mayor position was a strong indication of the future of the council.

“There was a real opportunity for members to present a unified council and I am surprised and concerned with the effect this will have on the council,” he said.

“The previous council worked well because it was a balanced council with all political views aired freely.

“I think we are already seeing a strong dominance, which can become divisive and gives lots of power to one group in council.”

Cr McCarthy is confident Cr van der Wijngaart brings experience in leadership and a strong environmental platform to the council.

“I feel positive about the council and I think we can all work together as the previous council did and be united in making decisions,” she said.