The North Haven resident joins Cr Rob Turner and Cr Sharon Griffiths who have also shown their intention to run at the July 29 mayoral by-election.

The by-election is a result of the resignation of Peter Besseling who has left local government seven months after being re-elected as mayor to take up a general manager’s role with Birdon Pty Ltd.

Cr Lisa Intemann is filling the mayoral role in an acting capacity until the election.

“Following the resignation of Peter Besseling only seven months into his new term, I announce my intention to nominate for the position of mayor at the planned by-election on July 29,” Ms Pinson said.

“I am as committed now as I was at the September 2016 election to represent our community as mayor.

“In this upcoming by-election I am offering the ratepayers and residents of the Port Macquarie-Hastings region the choice of a mayor who is committed to giving our community a voice in a council that truly represents their needs.”

Ms Pinson went up against Peter Besseling in the 2016 local government elections for the position of mayor in a hotly contested race that also included Cr Sharon Griffiths.

“Should I be elected on July 29, as your mayor I will ensure that the community is not closed off from its council,” Ms Pinson said.

“I will ensure that all decisions made by me in the council chamber are transparent, responsible and in the best interests of our residents and ratepayers.

“I believe it is time for a change in our council and I stand again as a mayoral candidate to assist in making that change. I look forward to the upcoming campaign.”