List: Mayoral candidates to come forward so far

The most recent ‘announcement’ confirmed a widespread rumour. It’s also been revealed that current Cr Tegan Swan won’t be running for Mayor.

A number of new faces have entered the race for Mayor in the upcoming Coffs Harbour City Council elections.

The election will be held on September 4 after being postponed for twelve months due to COVID-19.

It had been widely rumoured that Rodger Pryce would be running for mayor and the poorly kept secret was leaked gradually with an embargoed press release followed by a change of date for the official campaign launch.

On Friday his official campaign materials were printed and it was being widely reported the well known businessman would be running and his running mates revealed at the official campaign launch at 10am on Tuesday at Rotary Park.

Tegan Swan.

Another poorly guarded secret was that current Councillor Tegan Swan would be running on Rodger Pryce’s ticket and therefore not running for Mayor.

She took to breakfast radio to confirm her decision.

Although the official team will be revealed on Tuesday it is understood Cr Swan will be at number 2 on the group ticket and that John Lardner and Nikki Williams are also part of the team.

Cr Swan was the Deputy Mayor prior to George Cecato taking on the role in September last year.

Ms Williams operates The Salon by Nikki Williams, at 88 Harbour Drive, and recently shared some shocking photos showing discarded needles and other drug paraphernalia in public toilets.

Other mayoral candidates that have come forward so far are:

Dean Evers – Mr Evers has worked in the social services sector in Coffs Harbour since 1999. Back then he was with the Department of Community Services (DOCS) but now heads the local charity Hope for the Homeless.

From June, the Boambee resident is hitting up “30 venues in 30 days” in an effort to gather views from a broad cross-section of people from across the local government area.

Tony Judge – Woolgoolga local Tony Judge announced in February last year that he would be running for Council when the elections were still scheduled to go ahead in September 2020.

In recent days he has confirmed he will also be putting his hand up for Mayor

It was the Woolgoolga Dam water sell-off plan that finally convinced Tony Judge to run for Coffs Harbour City Council. The former Commonwealth public servant ran as a Labor candidate in the 2019 State election.

Jonathan Cassell – It was expected Mr Cassell would be running on behalf of the Greens, but his official team announcement was timed to coincide with Greens MP Cate Faehrmann’s recent visit to the region.

Mr Cassell ran as a Greens candidate for the seat of Coffs Harbour in the 2019 NSW State elections. Joining him on the Greens team are Tim Nott, Natalie Stevens and Maureen Burgess.