Clover Moore: I don’t want political parties running this city
Image: Clover Moore (centre) and her 2016 team of Independent Sydney City council candidates. Photo: Supplied
INCUMBENT Sydney mayor Clover Moore has chosen a strong team of candidates to join her in contesting the city’s council elections, including LGBTI community leader Dr Kerryn Phelps.
“Kerryn is a well-established public figure who has already made a contribution to the community through her work as a health practitioner and has been recognised as such,” Moore told Star Observer.
“In terms of the city of Sydney, she’s playing a key role in the marriage equality campaign and has been a very strong advocate for equity and civil. These are very important things in our city.
“She’s also a very successful business woman so she’s got a lot of positive ticks against her name.”
Other members of the independent team include Vivid Festival director Jess Scully, architect Philip Thalis, Sydney councillor Robert Kok, community engagement specialist Jess Miller and property expert Catherine Lezer.
“I wanted to have a team of talented, experienced people who contributed to the city over the next four years and into the future,” Moore said.
Moore said that despite recent advancements, there were a number of priorities for the LGBTI community in Sydney.
“I think we’re in a very troubling time in terms of some of the things being said,” she said.
“The city of Sydney is a very cultural, diverse and accepting place, that’s why these are aspects we ensure to have.”
Seeing out the city plan – which Moore has described as the most comprehensive in 40 years – will be her main priority if reelected for her fourth mayoral term, which will address economic standing and providing affordable housing.
“We’ve just committed to a new iteration of our environmental work, we’re committed to reduce our emissions by 2030,” she said.
“Our work with our LGBTI community is very important.
“I believe you need a strong independent city to achieve these things. I don’t want political parties to take hold of the city like they have done at the state and federal level.
“It’s important we are strong financially, an ethical, non-corruptible city government and I am leading a team in 2016 to ensure that continues into the future.”
Moore will go up against Labor’s Linda Scott and the Liberals Christine Forster to try and retain her seat as mayor.
And this is not a political party? The so-called ‘independents’ who, if you don’t dance to Clover’s tune, get sacked? Ask Phillip Black