Councillor Anne Ryan runs for the top job

In Busselton’s local government election on October 21, six councillors have put their hand up to run for the role of mayor, including Anne Ryan. Cr Ryan was first elected to council in 2005, where she stayed up until 2009, when she was elected as deputy president by her peers. In 2010 Cr Ryan resigned and moved to Canberra where she began working at Canberra Airport and ultimately gained a diploma of aviation which she said gave her “invaluable knowledge in relation to the airport here”. Cr Ryan said she was running for the role of mayor to bring about change, rebuild community trust, restore a ‘can-do council’ and reduce red tape and bureaucracy. “These things are intrinsic to our business but I believe they have been lost along the way,” she said. “Many in the community are crying out to be heard but feel alienated, I have the understanding, strength and commitment to reinstate these core values and much more.” When asked what her main priorities will be if elected as mayor, Cr Ryan said, “Immediate major discussions with sporting and leisure groups who are disgruntled about the many issues in relation to their sport and leisure pursuits”. “Reviewing the differential rate which business pays, fast-tracking the Vasse River cyanobacterial health problem and reviewing plans and policies and sitting down with elected members and acting on the issues they were confronted with during their campaigning,” she said Cr Ryan said she brought experience, strength, and a knowledge of local government. “I have two ears and one mouth for a reason,” she said. “The Local Government Act states the role of the mayor and councillors is to represents the interests of electors, ratepayers and residents of the district, provide leadership and guidance to the community in the district and facilitates communication between the community and the council among other things.” “For this to be achieved it has to be a vision shared by all councillors, not just one, a majority is needed, which is why your choices in this election are so important.”