By JO HARRISON
A FOURTH candidate has thrown their hat in the ring for the Northern Tablelands by-election. Armidale Dumaresq Council Mayor Jim Maher announced on Monday that he would stand as an independent.
“I have decided to run in order to make the election a democratic contest between the major parties, to focus attention on Northern Tablelands, its communities and their needs,” Cr Maher said.
Cr Maher was elected unopposed as mayor in 2012 after serving on council for eight and half years, including four as deputy mayor.
He had been strongly encouraged by people from across the electorate to run.
“I believe the people of Northern Tablelands are looking for a strong Independent candidate to contest the seat against the major parties,” he said.
“I am such a candidate. I do not have the financial resources of the major parties, but I believe I have the personal qualities and credentials that people are looking for in a parliamentary representative.
“I have taken time to consider this decision and believe I have made the right choice.”
Jim Maher’s involvement in community service across the Northern Tablelands spans 30 years.
He was chairman of the New England Area Health Service Board for over four years and during this time was instrumental in the battle to gain Multi Purpose Services (MPSs) at Emmaville, Boggabri, Guyra and other centres such as Barrabra and Bingara.
He chaired the Armidale Hospital Board for approximately five years, having been appointed to the board three years earlier.
He was a director of the NSW Health Services Association from 1996-2000, chairing its education committee.
He is a past president of the Rotary Club of Armidale and both he and his wife Nina were made Paul Harris Fellows, Rotary’s highest honour, for their work in building a library and lifelong learning centre in a small village in rural Thailand.
Cr Maher lectured for many years in Political Science at the University of New England, where he is an Adjunct Senior Lecturer.
He has not been a member of a political party for approximately 20 years and has been elected three consecutive times to council as an Independent.
“I am running as an Independent as I believe the Independents still have a place in this political system,” Cr Maher said.
“Political parties aren’t supported like they used to be and there are concerns about their track record in recent times. I believe I have the energy, experience, qualifications and the love of this area to do a good job for the community.”
Issues of concern for Mr Maher include health, particularly the Armidale Hospital; education and strong representation.
“I love to help people with their problems and I think issues like economic development in regional Australia are really important and I have worked hard as the Mayor of Armidale to bring that about.”
