Candidates come forward for Williamstown and Footscray electorates

WITH  just over three months until the state election, Maribyrnong residents are getting a clearer picture of the candidates who will vie for their votes.

The Greens will be introducing their new candidate for Footscray. Candidate Rod Swift is pictured at the Footscray Station on Monday 18th August, 2014. Picture: Mark Dadswell

WITH  just over three months until the state election, Maribyrnong residents are getting a clearer picture of the candidates who will vie for their votes.

The Liberal Party last week announced Alan Shea had thrown his hat in the ring for the seat of Williamstown when the state goes to the polls on November 29.

The Williamstown resident, who has lived in the area for eight years and is described as a strong advocate for small business and local economies, will join Simon Crawford, representing the Australian Greens, in battling for the seat of Williamstown, currently held by Labor MP Wade Noonan.

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Mr Crawford is a sports administrator who lives in West Footscray with his wife and young daughter.

Mr Noonan, a former national union leader who lives in Williamstown with his wife and two young sons, was elected to the seat of Williamstown in September 2007 following the retirement of former state Premier Steve Bracks.

Meanwhile, in the seat of Footscray, the Australian Greens’ Rod Swift this week launched his campaign to go head-to-head with Labor incumbent Marsha Thomson, who has held the seat since 2006 and served as a minister with the former Labor government.

Mr Swift is a West Footscray-based gay and lesbian equality campaigner, union delegate, public transport advocate, radio news presenter and media analyst.

The Liberals are yet to announce a candidate for Footscray.

The Labor incumbents kicked off their re-election campaign with a bang earlier this month, announcing a $15 million education precinct in Footscray if Labor wins government.