Jesse Jacobs has put his hand up for the role of Canning mayor at coming elections.
Camera IconJesse Jacobs has put his hand up for the role of Canning mayor at coming elections. Credit: Supplied/Pia van Straalen

Candidate on the campaign trail

Pia van StraalenCanning Gazette

Last week East Cannington resident and former Liberal candidate for the State seat of Cannington, Jesse Jacobs, became the first City ratepayer to declare an intention to run for the position of mayor.

Mr Jacobs, whose 2013 grass roots campaign delivered a 7 per cent swing to the Liberal Party, said he began his whirlwind campaign with a focus on talking to and engaging the community.

"This campaign is very short; you need to get out and meet people, and it is right to give voters that time too," he said.

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He said he threw his hat in the ring in the hopes of re-establishing Canning after the former council was stood down.

"The council has had two near-death experiences; it's been suspended twice in 25 years and that's not good," he said.

"Local Government is an area that is overlooked and doesn't get the calibre of candidates that it should attract. It's an opportunity but we have to get it right."

Mr Jacobs is fluent in Mandarin, having lived and studied in Beijing for about 10 years.

He works as a Chinese language interpreter and is a father of two.

"I live in the area, I�m young, energetic and we need more people like that to put their hand up for difficult jobs like this," he said.

"If you want a new start and a vote for integrity to turn over a new leaf�we can build a bright future for Canning together."

The election will be held on October 17.