KWINANA Mayor Carol Adams has ended months of speculation by announcing she will run as an independent in the March State Election for a seat in the South Metropolitan region of the Legislative Council.
In a surprise move, Adams, who ran twice as an Independent for the seat of Kwinana, narrowly missing to Labor’s Roger Cook in 2008 and 2013 said she believes she can be of more influence in the Upper House and that she has a raft of platforms to pursue.
Adams has been a champion for the building of a new port in Kwinana and lists this as one of her platform positions.
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READ NOW“As an upper house independent, I can be of more influence in getting the planning for a new harbour underway, irrespective of who is in government,” she said
Adams is keen to address WA’s GST discrimination via a constitutional legal challenge, supports strong local content “protectionist” policies, a mature discussion on death with dignity, the broadening of the new home buyers’ scheme to include established homes, and a 30-Year State Infrastructure policy
“These are just a taste of some of the issues I believe are important to the State,” Cr Adams said.
“I am really excited at the prospect of running to win a seat the upper house.
“I have a solid track record as Mayor of Kwinana for 10 years. I have no axe to grind, can work with all parties and a sensible alternative to those disaffected with the major parties”.
She admits that winning an independent seat it is going to be a tough challenge.
“With so many parties to overcome on my own it will be tough,” she said.
“In the lead up to making my decision I’ve been asked by five different political parties to consider joining them.
“Some political commentators have also advised me to ‘sit this one out’ because an independent will find it tough to win one of the six seats on offer in South Metro given the unknown dynamics of this election.”
“I am up for the challenge, I am a sensible alternative for those wanting a change and I’m fed up with the same old rhetoric, political spin and thought bubble projects that characterise election promises these days.
“I believe the public deserve certainty and political accountability for the money the government spends on our behalf.
“I can work across all party lines and will work in the best interest of WA.
“As an independent I will not be bound by party lines, factions, unions or those wanting to influence our State from across the Nullarbor.”