A councillor has revealed his team of 'Kiama Independents' for the upcoming Kiama council elections.
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Current councillor Mark Way has named his ticket for the September 10 poll.
In 2012, Cr Way ran as an independent, ungrouped candidate.
He received 8.2 per cent of the vote despite not benefiting from votes above the line.
The Kiama Game Fishing Club’s founder and president won his first term on council, although claimed many votes cast for him were invalid “due to the way the voting system is designed to benefit political parties”.
“This time, I will also have quality candidates on the team that I would hope will also be elected,” he said.
“I try to keep politics out of council; that's why we're all independent.
“This time I decided I'd make it easy for people. If they want to vote for me and my team, they can just put one above the line.
“The team provides a balance of male and female with experience and youth.
“We've all got our own views, but we all care about the community and moving forward.”
Second on the ticket is Illawarra optometrist and Kiama businesswoman Dr Susan Ang-Ngo.
Third is Sonya Slyer, owner of the wedding venue/B&B Bush Bank, and who has previously worked as a legal secretary and food industry consultant.
Primary school teacher and Scout leader Matthew Cameron, and retired teacher and Canine Capers president Ian Hornsby round out the ticket.
Cr Way, a former Sydney Water media advisor said he was committed to the people of the Kiama municipality “and the projects that are currently under way from this current council's term, and a desire to see them through to fruition”.
He said these included the additional supermarket and extra parking in the Akuna Street CBD, development of an eco-resort at Jerrara Dam, mini-breakwall at Kiama Harbour, board walk/cycleway around Minnamurra Bends, a library in Gerringong and the Kiama Hospital redevelopment.
Dr Ang-Ngo said supporting families and the elderly, driving business growth and addressing youth unemployment were among her priorities.
She wanted to be a “voice for the community”.
“I thought it would be nice to have a female presence on council, and also being young myself, being 35, I think it's just nice to give that voice back to the youth,” she said.
“It's just a way of contributing. I'm not here to 'win votes' or anything. If I can contribute to Kiama I'm happy to serve.”