Election field takes shape
Fairfield Advance, Wednesday 19 March, 2008

AT least one councillor has pulled out of September's local government election, leaving the door open for a new face on Fairfield Council.

Councillor Ninos Khoshaba said his duties as Smithfield State Labor MP would put him out of the race. "It has been an absolute pleasure to serve the people of the Parks ward and Fairfield city," he said.

A spokeswoman for Mayor Nick Lalich said other Labor councillors would not make a decision on who would run for the council until after the Australian Labor Party conference in May.

However, deputy mayor Albert Mooshi and councillors Lawrence White, Louie Costa and Del Bennett told the Advance they would stand again if pre-selected by the Labor Party.

Liberal Party councillors Frank Oliveri and Joe Molluso also confirmed they would run for the council in 2008.

Cr Oliveri said it was important for someone local to step up.

"I would welcome new candidates, new energy, new views and ideas," he said.

Independent Thang Ngo said he was concentrating more on holding the council accountable than the September election.

The Australian Business Party has confirmed it will field a full ballot in an attempt to secure a council seat.

Mayoral candidate Joseph Adams said Fairfield needed a "breath of fresh air".

"In 55 years, if many of our streets don't have footpaths, and the Labor Party are representing us, then they have to go," he said.

"We do have the money, council are just not spending it properly."

The Canley Heights music teacher said he would increase funding for migrant services, spend $1.5 million a year on footpaths and invest in solar-powered street lighting.

Local government elections will be held across the state on September 13. Initially due to take place on September 27, the date was changed to avoid a clash with the school holidays.

NSW Local Government Association president Genia McCaffery said the change in date would make it easier for communities to vote.

"Councillors are elected to represent the views of, and issues facing, residents, so it's important they have this democratic opportunity and that voting is accessible and easy," she said.