“I would like to develop the idea of a local economy and how we might build on the success of local businesses that we have here in the Hastings - Lisa Intemann
FORMER councillor Lisa Intemann said she hopes the community will remember she stood for financial responsibility, despite being sacked in 2008.
“I hope the community can distinguish between the majority of councillors and those who stood financial responsibility, which was Jamie Harrison and myself,” Ms Intemann said.
“We opposed the direction of council since June 2005. At that time the price of the Glasshouse jumped from $20 million in March 2004 to $35 million in June 2005. The final cost, including interest on the loans, is over $60 million.”
In 2008 the nine councillors were sacked after an state government inquiry found that had mismanaged the project.
Ms Intemann has nominated for the upcoming local government elections to; again, represent the community at Port Macquarie-Hastings Council as councillor and mayor.
“I have a strong desire for good government at a local level and to offer the council my 13 years experience as a councillor from 1995 to 2008,” Ms Intemann said.
“I will continue to offer genuine community consultation and fiscal responsibility and a commonsense approach. I’m keen to work with council staff and the community to find a positive solution to local issues. I’m particularly keen to work with local businesses to identify their problems and find solutions.
“I would like to develop the idea of a local economy and how we might build on the success of local businesses that we have here in the Hastings.”
Ms Intemann has lived in the Hastings since 1988. She is a mother of two daughters and grandmother to four grandsons.
Ms Intemann holds a degree in science and recently completed a PhD in philosophy. She has held executive positions in community groups like the Wauchope Community Progress Association and has worked as a journalist with the Wauchope Gazette, resigning last week in order to nominate for the council elections.
“The challenge we have is to re-establish good consultation with the community and addressing the council’s level of debt without further rate rises,” Ms Intemann said.
“In solving problems, no idea is off the table, I’m open to all positive ideas.
“There is nothing to stop us from having a wonderful future providing we are willing to work together. I’m keen to get in and re-establish good community relations between council and the community. I’m not making an idle promise. Look to my record over 13 years, this has been my theme.”
Ms Intemann is keen to hear from the community with their ideas, via email lisac@midcoast.com.au.