Councillor Matt Paterson will run for mayor in 2021 Local Government election

Alice Springs’ town councillor and former deputy mayor Matt Paterson has announced he will join the mayoral race in the upcoming 2021 Local Government Election.

Councillors Matt Patterson and Eli Melky. Photo: EMMA MURRAY

• Who is running for Alice Springs mayor in 2021 and what they stand for

ALICE Springs’ town councillor and former deputy mayor Matt Paterson today announced he will join the mayoral race in the upcoming 2021 Local Government Election.

A member of the 13th Alice Springs Town Council, Mr Paterson said a desire to continue representing the Alice Springs community was a determining factor in putting his hand up for the role.

“I’m results driven and serving as councillor for four years and Deputy Mayor for two has given me the opportunity to hear what families in our community want and what we’re missing at the moment.

“Alice Springs is facing some unique challenges at the moment, that’s no secret.

“In saying that, we have an incredibly intelligent population and with my local knowledge, passion and experience I believe I can help connect the community and council in a meaningful and productive way to benefit our town.”

Mr Paterson said he wants to increase services to the community.

He presented the MyAlice Voucher Scheme in April 2020 that initially wasn’t supported by council.

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This scheme was picked up by Darwin City Council and councils around Australia before Alice Springs eventually committed in July 2020.

“The MyAlice scheme is an example where Alice Springs could have been a leader across the country,” he said.

“We eventually invested $200,000 in the project and it was a major success, putting over $2 million back into the economy,” Mr Paterson said.

He said growing up in Alice Springs was a unique and wonderful experience.

“I truly could not imagine a better place to spend a childhood.

“I see the town capable of offering the same experience for my two children, this generation and for generations to come.

“I want to be a part of seeing that happen in partnership with the community.

“Our town still has so much potential. I will continue to work hard and represent Alice Springs honourably.”

Mr Paterson joins fellow councillors Jimmy Cocking, Jamie de Brenni and Eli Melky, and former councillor Steve Brown who are also running for the role.

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