Mohammed Isah and Peter Maynard are just two of the people that want to be on Wyndham Council. 86065 Picture: KRISTIAN SCOTT
By XAVIER SMERDON
WHAT do a former police officer, a millionaire and a 23-year-old social worker have in common? They are all running for a spot on Wyndham Council.
A total of 17 people have publicly expressed their interest to run for the 11 places available at this year’s election.
Six of the current councillors have previously declared they will be running for re-election while 10 new faces have also put their hands up.
Four of the hopeful new candidates have nominated themselves for the Harrison Ward, previously named the Truganina Ward, while three will be running for the Iramoo Ward and the remaining four will be running for the Chaffey Ward.
Peter Maynard said he decided to run for the Iramoo Ward. “If you are going to have a crack at people then you need to be willing to get in there and do something yourself,” Mr Maynard said.
“I think every time there is an election it’s good to see some change.”
Mohammed Isah, a 23-year-old Nigerian-born resident, said he had decided to run for the Harrison Ward after seeing a lack of action on important issues from the current council.
“The current council is tired, stale and out of ideas. They have failed as a team, they have failed to listen to our community, and they have failed to plan ahead,” Mr Isah said.
“There is an overwhelming mood for change in the community.”
Mr Isah and Mr Maynard said some of the most common issues raised to them by residents included the need for better infrastructure, more local employment opportunities and the upgrade of amenities.
“If the current council can’t get these basic issues right, then they cannot be trusted with the complex challenges that are ahead of Wyndham,” Mr Isah said.
