City of Nedlands: Gen Y candidate has deputy mayor’s seat in his sights

A GENERATION Y contender for a City of Nedlands council position says it was a “gut feeling” that told him it was the right time to challenge.

Jordan Kestel will be aiming to secure deputy Mayor Bill Hassell’s Dalkeith ward seat when local government elections are held in October.

Despite Mr Kestel only being in his early 20s, he was confident he was up to the job.

“There’s never a perfect time to announce a candidacy. It’s a big move,” he said.

“We’re seeing younger people take the mantle; younger people putting their hands up.

“I had a gut feeling now was the time to give it a crack.”

Mr Kestel said he would reveal his age if called on by a Nedlands ratepayer during the run-up to decision day.

“I don’t want age to become a factor in the campaign,” he said.

“I’m here to represent every age group, not one specific demographic.”Mr Kestel is a member of the Liberal Party and was a ministerial staffer during the State Election loss for the party in March.

He said he was not running under the state party’s banner and would pick issues to anchor his campaign when he received further feedback from the community about what was important to them.

Three months out from the election, he said he is here “to listen and be open-minded”.

“There’s a tendency I’m finding in a lot of local government areas where there are knee-jerk reactions without consulting the community,” he said.

“I don’t believe councillors should simply be elected and then have a mandate to introduce policies.

“It’s more about listening to the community and what’s in their best interests.”

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