Liberal, Labor candidates go Head-to-head for seat on Hills Shire Council
Immanuel Selvaraj and Jacob Jackson are both determined to win the vacant West Ward seat on the council.
Hills Shire
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MEET the two candidates vying for your vote at The Hills Shire Council by-election this month.
Immanuel Selvaraj and Jacob Jackson are both determined to win the vacant West Ward seat on the council.
Liberal candidate Jacob Jackson, 34, works for Corrective Services NSW and lives in Bella Vista with his wife Jean and their three children. He launched his campaign for councillor on three key issues — responsible development, better local infrastructure and improved traffic.
“My main focus for West Ward is maintaining the character of The Hills by ensuring family-friendly development, more footpaths, sporting fields, playgrounds and community facilities and improved amenities at Bella Vista Farm and upgrading local roads and infrastructure,” he said.
“I know the challenges facing West Ward residents, and have built my career on finding solutions for people to improve their situation.”
His opponent, Labor candidate Immanuel Selvaraj, said his connection to the community, passion for small business and ongoing volunteer work would be a major selling point on election day.
“The key things that affect residents’ lives are the need for parking and open spaces, especially with a dramatic increase in development,” Mr Selvaraj, 53, said.
“I want to ensure that, after development takes place, there is sufficient local infrastructure to support the wider community.
“My wife and I have lived in the area for 13 years, we have raised our nine-year-old daughter here.”
Mr Selvaraj said he was renowned for having his “ear to the ground” when it came to his small business — an online education service — which would help address issues in the council chamber.
The by-election was called following the resignation of Labor councillor Raymond Harty, who was convicted of fraud last month.
It will be held on Saturday, July 28.