DEAR News Of The Area,

THANK goodness that Council election is over.

For two years at least, Andrew Fraser has been the attack dog of the Coffs Council.

Calling for its dismissal, screaming all the way until election day and backing retired property developer Rodger Pryce as ‘Mr Fix It’.

But the voters didn’t buy it.

If anything, the result was a vindication of Denise Knight’s tenure.

Voters didn’t see a broken Council, they saw a principled progressive mayor who brought them a new stadium, new hospital, new jetty beautification, better playgrounds, more bike paths, and an expanded library and civic building, as well as better pools, and a brighter CBD.

She also forced the state and federal governments to finally commit to a bypass after 40 years of inaction.

If the rumours are correct and Ms Knight is contemplating a tilt at the federal seat the Cowper, voters would do well to make the Nationals realise that the electorate isn’t just blueberry growers, property developers and climate change deniers.

A well connected independent in a possible hung federal parliament is a better deal than someone who thinks Barnaby Joyce is the best deputy PM.

Regards,
Peter LEWIS,
Coffs Harbour.