NEWCASTLE and Charlestown residents will take to the polling booths this Saturday to cast their votes in the state seats' byelections.
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The seats became vacant in August when sitting MPs Tim Owen and Andrew Cornwell stepped down after giving evidence at the Independent Commission Against Corruption.
Both admitted to accepting alleged illegal donations from prohibited donors that contributed to their 2011 election campaigns, including from former Newcastle lord mayor and developer Jeff McCloy.
Mr Owen had already announced in May that he would not recontest the seat of Newcastle at the next election.
The pair have since resigned from the Liberal Party and Parliament.
With the seats now up for grabs, eight candidates have nominated to contest the seat of Newcastle, and nine nominees will vie for Charlestown.
Neither seat has a Liberal candidate, despite the party holding a 2.6 per cent margin in Newcastle and a 9.9 per cent margin in Charlestown.
Mr Owen won the seat of Newcastle in 2011 with 52.6 per cent of the votes in the two-candidate preferred result, while Labor candidate Jodi McKay gained 47.7 per cent of the votes.
In Charlestown, Mr Cornwell won with 43.8 per cent of the vote compared to Labor candidate Matthew Morris' 40.1 per cent.
This time, Newcastle councillors Tim Crakanthorp (Labor) and Michael Osborne (Greens) are tipped to take the lead in their electorate, while Lake Macquarie mayor Jodie Harrison (Labor) is a strong contender for Charlestown.
The Star asked the 2014 Newcastle and Charlestown state byelection candidates: What are your key concerns in your electorate? Charlestown electorate answers are below. Click here to read answers from the Newcastle electorate.
LUKE ARMS
Independent
I’m concerned that Charlestown voters might have forgotten the betrayals they’ve experienced throughout decades of Labor representation. I don’t want them to be taken for granted any more. I’m concerned that cuts to health and education are limiting Charlestown’s ability to thrive. I’m concerned that Charlestown is a victim of Sydney-centric planning and investment. I want to help create and fund a modern strategy for regional growth.
LUKE CUBIS
Independent
I want a thorough investigation into corruption until we know the full extent of it and who else is involved. We must increase honesty and integrity. I will fight for more funding in the fundamental areas of education, health, emergency services, roads and transport. Our local economy needs strengthening to decrease unemployment. We need better decision-making to help more people, not less.
JODIE HARRISON
Labor
The three key areas I’m committed to improving if elected are jobs, education and health. I will fight to ensure that government supports local jobs and apprenticeships through its procurement policies and provision of infrastructure such as the Lake Macquarie Transport Interchange. We need better funding for education, both in our schools and TAFE. Better resources and funding must be provided to our hospitals.
VERONICA HOPE
Independent
Charlestown’s key concern is employment. I will bring a service economy to Charlestown. Rio Tinto, amongst others, want office work done in Charlestown, but big companies can only thrive in towns that support their workforce with sophisticated transport, housing, entertainment and hospitality venues. Beyond propping up existing industries, a service industry called “Charlestown City” would give our kids jobs to go to, and something to look forward to.
ARJAY MARTIN
Independent
I want to remove road/rail bottlenecks; integrate Hunter transport, including state buses and minibuses; research exotic diseases; increase speed limits appropriately on the Charlestown Bypass and M1; abolish paid street parking; introduce electoral law reform; proportionate crime sentencing; legalise medical marijuana; stop unlawful water medication; build Jodie Harrison’s promised roundabout; cut red tape.
JANE OAKLEY
Greens
I care about what happens in my community and want to make sure Charlestown continues to grow into a vibrant and sustainable place to live. I believe people are sick of rich developers pulling the strings and politicians making decisions that are not in the best interests of the community. Charlestown needs best practice planning and transparent politics, and if elected I will work towards achieving the best outcomes possible.
MARC SKY
Independent
The key concern is trust. People rightfully don’t trust that politicians are working in their best interests. Politicians need to get real and compromise to get the best deal for Charlestown. Promising the world when you’re in power and blocking the government in opposition is the equivalent of holding the people of NSW to ransom. Stop inaction so Charlestown can move forward.
BRIAN TUCKER
Christian Democratic Party
Corruption, crime and the cost of living still continue to impact on families, while sending manufacturing opportunities offshore continues to impact on our industry. I am a voice for families and the working class and a voice for values and ethics. The Christian Democratic Party that I represent has always stood for honesty, dignity and stability. It is these fundamental values that neither of the other parties can deliver.
SUELLEN WRIGHTSON
Palmer United-backed Independent
We need to create more jobs by supporting the many small business owners we have in the electorate through state funding grants. Residential housing projects cater for population growth and create jobs along with ongoing employment for tradespeople, contractors and suppliers. The Glendale Interchange must proceed. Thirty-seven million dollars has been allocated to the project yet little progress achieved. Fewer expensive consultant reports and more action is what we need.