Eddy Sarroff: Former councillor spending less on his mayoral campaign than son Edward going for councillor
Eddy Sarroff has made a shock admission about his mayoral campaign with expenditure disclosure records revealing something surprising about his tilt for the top job. SEE THE VIDEO
Council Election
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Eddy Sarroff admits he lacks a budget for his Gold Coast mayoral campaign with expenditure disclosure records showing his son Edward, contesting for councillor, is spending more.
Edward Sarroff has outlayed almost $1200 on flyers, about $2750 on election signage and $1850 on advertisement wrap around his car.
But his father, a leading businessman and former councillor, who was a last-minute nominee, is yet to disclose a cent being spent.
Asked how much he would spend, Eddy Sarroff replied: “Not a lot. I’m going to stand on my reputation. I’m going to stand on what I can deliver.
“I want to stand as man with integrity, looking for accountability, transparency, and governance which is lacking.”
Mayor Tom Tate has begun to ramp up his spending, outlaying $2735 for a van rental, more than $5000 for vests and almost $2000 for corflutes.
Reminded of his previous campaign spending, Mr Sarroff Sr estimates his budget was about $40,000 as a mayoral candidate in the 2012 election he lost to Mr Tate, who spent about $340,000.
“This mayor might have claimed he spent around $335,000 but every radio station was pumping Tom Tate for Mayor for months before the election. I questioned his declaration,” Mr Sarroff said.
“I’m not standing in this election with any intent of spending big money. I’m standing in this election with the intent of showing the ratepayers, the voters, what I can offer and reassuring them I will restore the confidence in City Hall.”
Mr Tate secured a 37 per cent vote in 2012, compared to 18 per cent for Mr Sarroff.
The Bulletin asked Mr Sarroff how he could compete in the March 16 poll and obtain enough volunteers at polling booths.
“I did say it’s a bit like climbing Mount Everest. But I’m up for the challenge. The feedback I’m getting from people that are telling me we will man booths in the southern Gold Coast, we will man booths around the central areas, is very encouraging,” he said.
“I believe the community will come and rally behind me. I believe the community want to support me and only time will tell.
“I’ll make it very clear here – I don’t have the budget. I don’t intend to run a massive campaign. You will see some social media coverage.”
Mr Sarroff along with Mona Hecke and Brett Lambert was among a wave of anti-Tom Tate late nominees.
On the weekend Mr Sarroff in a Facebook post asked for supporters to meet at his home.
“To cover all the election booths on Election Day, 600 volunteers are needed which is an impossible task and I don’t expect this number of good people to turn out,” he said.
“I can use all the help I can get and if you believe that it is time for a change then please reach out and send me a message.”
On Monday he said his supporters had agreed to “step up a marketing campaign” and put up corflutes.
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