Rival mayoral candidates call for change, incumbent Kon Vatskalis confident of leadership

Rival mayoral candidates for City of Darwin elections are calling for changes to deliver a better council. READ THEIR IDEAS HERE.

RIVAL mayoral candidates for City of Darwin elections are calling for changes to deliver a better council.

But incumbent Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis has turned to his record to garner votes on the August 28 election day.

“I had to lead council and the city through the aftermath of a destructive cyclone and a global pandemic on top of all the usual other everyday issues that council has to deal with,” Mr Vatskalis said.

“I am pleased I’ve been able to provide strong leadership and constructive teamwork to overcome the problems presented to our community by these two major crisis events.”

Darwin Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis. Picture: Che Chorley

The Mayor felt Darwin was in “terrific financial shape” after introducing a number of economic stimulus measures that included MyDarwin vouchers.

Leah Potter, a member of the Australian Progressives, is outlining a radical idea to fix bigger issues in the NT.

“The NT’s deficit is eye-watering, the health system is in a crisis, the ambulance service is in crisis, the police force is in crisis, crime is prominent and the ICAC (is in crisis),” she said.

“I think we should disband the NT government and instead expand council’s power and responsibilities.”

Leah Potter. Picture: Che Chorley

Ms Potter’s vision would also create new Nightcliff and Casuarina mayoral roles and shires.

But Robin Lawrence is calling for a city return back to basics, after a career serving taxpayers in the Territory government.

“The council has lost its way – it has become an organisation that is not listening to the community as a whole,” he said. “It seems to be only taking note of the noisy groups or organisations, who are used to getting their own way and not taking into consideration what would be beneficial for the complete community. I feel that as mayor, you have to be a person who can listen to both sides of an argument.”

Gary Haslett claims he will be “beholden to the residents of Darwin” despite admitting to an affiliation with the CLP.

Mr Haslett has promised to provide good governance that is “open and accountable”.

“Council is not trusted. Too many people feel they have not been told the full story. They feel like decisions do not pass the pub test,” he said.

Mayoral candidate and alderman Gary Haslett. Picture: Katrina Bridgeford.

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Calvin Donaldson, who has worked in the community sector for 17 years, is wanting a more compassionate council.

“I feel that Darwin is lacking some major support for our most vulnerable people and it’s time for a better beginning to provide high-quality outcomes to all people living across Darwin. I also would like to introduce better mental health facilities.”

Amye Un, a perennial Darwin mayoral candidate and laksa restaurant owner, is adamant crime needs to be better addressed.

“I would lobby for more security patrols and work with the community to adapt to the changing conditions in light of the Covid pandemic,” she said.