The administrator said he would depart with mixed feelings, but described his three years at Shellharbour City Council as the most rewarding time in his career.

He also rejected suggestions of a possible amalgamation with Wollongong City Council.

Mr Jesson was appointed after the council’s 2008 sacking and with elections scheduled for September 3 will wrap up his duties ten days later.

“There are things I’d like to see to completion,” he said. “Another six to 12 months would have done that, but it’s the nature of the beast, there’s always something unfinished.

“There are things I would like time to finish, but that’s not going to happen in most cases.

“I’ve enjoyed my time at Shellharbour; I believe that I leave the place in better shape than it was when I came here, on any number of fronts.”

He listed the Shell Cove marina and boat harbour, the new citywide Local Environmental Plan and future security of Killalea State Park for community use among those unfinished tasks.

However, he eagerly awaited this month’s response to council’s application for a $10 million federal grant and the September delivery of the State Budget as possible avenues to kick-start the marina project.

He said council candidates should air their views on the marina publicly prior to

the election.

Mr Jesson also criticised

the much-mooted merger

with Wollongong.

“I don’t believe the longer-term interests of Shellharbour would be served by an amalgamation,” he said. “That union has never been on

my agenda.

“I say that without dismissing other re-structuring options that may exist.”

Mr Jesson said he derived “tremendous satisfaction” at assisting even one person

a day.

“If somebody comes into my office and I’m able to help with the problem they have, that sends you home feeling good,” he said.

The 66-year-old had no immediate future plans, but with an incoming council less than two months away, he said the key quality the next crop of councillors needed to possess was “absolute commitment”

to Shellharbour.

“There’s many qualities we all look for, but the abiding quality will be an obligation to the community,” he said.

“I don’t believe there should be any of the party mechanisms brought to bear after they enter the council chamber.”