TWO Gosnells councillors have resigned after being chosen as candidates for the State Election.
Pierre Yang and Terry Healy both resigned through written notice to the chief executive from their positions on council on February 5 and 6 respectively.
Mr Yang, who is running for the South Metropolitan Region for the Labor Party , said it was a decision based on the issue of principal.
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READ NOW“If I can’t give 100 per cent to my job as a councillor then it’s important to make a decision,” he said.
“I don’t feel comfortable receiving a councillor’s allowance and running for State Parliament at the same time.”
Mr Yang said it was a difficult decision, but felt it was the correct one.
Mr Healy had similar reasons for resigning.
He said he also did not want to continue to get a salary while putting all his energy into running for the seat of Southern River.
“I hope to continue to serve the community in a different role as a State MP,” he said.
“We are now formally nominating as candidates.”
He said his biggest achievement as a councillor had been day-to-day advocacy including fixing basketball rings and park benches.
At the ordinary council meeting on February 14, the City will make a decision as to what to do with the council vacancies.
According to the council agenda, the cost of holding an extraordinary election to fill the current vacancies would exceed $200,000.
The staff recommendation for council to vote on was to seek approval from the Electoral Commission for the vacancies to remain unfilled until the City’s October election.
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