There is concern in the community about a councillor who is running for the Ballina Shire Council and also the mayoral role. This person is claiming that the council is a ‘boys” club and that the out-going mayor is one of them. During my term, I can honestly report that this is not the case. A review of Ordinary Council meetings will easily reveal that female councillors consistently have more than their share of the speaking about motions in hand. It reflects poorly upon the integrity of the person concerned that such claims are being falsely represented to ratepayers; further, it impugns the current council and senior staff. There is no substance to this claim; I would be the first to complain if there was any truth at all to this claim! I urge voters to go online on this matter as well, and to work out who really will advocate for and serve them with integrity next term.
I am not a candidate for the coming term: I stood for honesty and integrity on Council, and I stand by that pledge now.
Kind regards,
Ballina Shire Cr Sharon Parry