Five of Alice Springs’ mayoral candidates reveal why residents should vote for them

The Centralian Advocate has asked five of the candidates with a council background on why they should be voted to become the next Alice Springs mayor. READ WHAT THEY SAID HERE.

IT’S less than a week until voters head to the polls for the Northern Territory’s Local Government Election on Saturday, August 28.

Early voting in some areas is already underway and ten candidates are in the running to become Alice Springs Town Council’s new mayor.

The NT News has asked five of the candidates with a council background on why they should be voted in to the town's top job.

The sole female candidate for the position, Marli Banks said as mayor, she would “make positive changes through strong leadership and a collaborative approach to ensure that everyone has a voice at the table and that the council works towards the best interests of the community as a whole”.

Eli Melky said the town looked forward to a “safe Alice”.

“My experience over ten years as a councillor with a strong track record in financial management and of standing up for Alice Springs, will be key attributes I bring to ensure our council has a bright future and a safe town,” he said.

Eli Melky is a candidate for Alice Springs mayor. Picture: Emma Murray

Matt Paterson.

Meanwhile giving “young families and youth opportunities to excel” is why Matt Patterson threw his hat in the ring.

“Growing up in Alice Springs gives me the unique opportunity to understand some of the complex issues of our town. It also gives me the opportunity to see what we are missing and how we can continue to improve the amenities in our community to make it more liveable.

“I am taking this opportunity to give back to the community. 

“Over the past four years I have delivered on what I have said. If elected the community can have faith in what I have committed to and promised. I have delivered on real local issues.

“That’s why the policies I have put forward are local issues that will deliver results for our community.”

With 13 years experience in community leadership roles, Jimmy Cocking said he is confident he has “the capacity, tenacity and skills to lead a new council and our town towards a better version of itself”.

“I am currently a councillor and understand the processes of council and how important relationships are in moving forward.

“I understand the challenges we face and the opportunities that are within our reach,” he said.

“I have no other ongoing business interests or aspirations beyond working for a better Alice Springs, for everyone.”

Alice Springs resident Steve Brown. Picture: Emma Murray

Meanwhile former councillor Steve Brown wishes to rejoin the local government ranks as a “passionate and determined candidate” so as to deal with issues such as crime.

“I am sick and tired of seeing Alice Springs slide backwards from the once vibrant burgeoning boom town that it was.”

The remaining five candidates will be featured on Friday.