Gerald Power is vying to become the first Indigenous mayor of Orange this year.
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Council elections are now just months away. The issues set to dominate debate are coming into focus as the first campaigns are confirmed.
Campaign material is already being printed by some candidates, and incumbent representatives are positioning themselves to make a case for re-election.
"I'm throwing my hat in the ring for the mayor of Orange City Council," Cr Power told the Central Western Daily.
"I have a big ticket item in seeing the Redmond housing development is completed .... it's one of Orange's biggest challenges."
Four mayoral bids have so far been confirmed to the CWD - and at least four more are likely from current and former councillors.
Two unknowns are central to the upcoming contest: Will former leader Reg Kidd throw his hat in the ring, and is Jason Hamling running for re-election?
Lords Place, public art, the rainbow festival, and major infrastructure projects including the Conservatorium and Sports Precinct have dominated debate during the term so far.
The 2024 Orange City Council election will take place on September 14, 2024.
If you or someone you know is planning a campaign, reach out at william.davis@centralwesterndaily.com.au
Confirmed candidates for mayor
Gerald Power
Cr Powell says: I'm planning to run for re-election as a councillor and I'm throwing my hat in the ring for the mayor of Orange City Council.
I have a big ticket item in seeing the Redmond housing development is completed as it will provide 250-300 affordable housing and social housing, as it's one of Orange's biggest challenges ... We need homes for people to live in Orange.
Mel McDonell
Cr McDonell said: I'm definitely recontesting and I will be running for mayor.
I'm running for mayor because I feel like I could really provide some great leadership for Orange.
It's time for fresh leadership ... We've never had a female mayor. We've only ever had a total of 13 women on council in 175 years.
In terms of gender equality ... we're really doing very badly.
I just feel like I can offer really sound leadership for the city and I love the community.
I love doing what I do with council and I would give it everything.
Jeff Whitton
Cr Whitton says: Seeking another term as a councillor and aspiring to serve as Mayor, my commitment to the Orange community is fueled by a 20-year record of dedicated service.
My candidacy is anchored in a profound dedication to our community's welfare and growth growing up in Orange.
A Fellow with the Australian Institute of Company Directors, my leadership is characterised by extensive business acumen and a strong belief in social justice, inclusion, and economic development.
My vision for Orange is grounded in a pragmatic, fundamentals-first philosophy. I am committed to ensuring that our community's voice is not only heard but acted upon, propelling Orange towards a more prosperous and inclusive future.
I understand our residents' demands for real value for their rate dollars and sensible, straightforward decision-making.
I aim to concentrate on the core needs of our community, advocating for projects that offer solid economic, social, and business benefits. My broad network in the business realm and governmental connections are assets I intend to continue utilising to foster Orange's growth.
During my current term, I opposed the Lords Place alterations, championing initiatives that focus on our community's priorities, like enhancing parking in the Orange CBD. My support for the Rainbow Festival and the Greyhound industry underscores my commitment to diversity, inclusion, and economic opportunity.
If re-elected, I promise to champion these values and interests tirelessly, and fighting for those that are doing it tough in our community.
Tony Mileto
Cr Mileto says: I will be running for mayor in September as I thoroughly understand the significant challenges that council and the community of Orange will be facing in the future.
I want to continue to contribute to the progression of our city, whilst ensuring that council understand and meet community expectations, especially when delivering the basic fundamentals such as good roads and solid infrastructure in the first instance.
I am extremely passionate about Orange and want to ensure that council are open, honest and transparent with the community concerning stakeholder engagement that meets expectations at all times.
Confirmed candidates for council
Steve Peterson
Cr Peterson says: I plan to run for re-election with a focus on road and footpath funding, oversight of the stadium and planetarium projects, and continued lobbying for water security infrastructure.
I will not be running for Mayor.
Campaign registration says: Our objective is to redirect Council focus on Council's core business.
To do this we will push for additional road funding within annual budget, improved oversight of the stadium and conservatorium projects and advocate for the next piece of water security infrastructure.
We also would move a recreation plan for Mount Canobolas, lobby to allow a vote on reducing councillor numbers and improving accessibility.
Glenn Floyd
Cr Floyd says: I have thoroughly enjoyed my time serving as a Orange City Councillor. I believe that the work I have done has been positive and I have always acted in what I believe was in the best interest of the community.
My reasons for seeking re-election are because I believe that I can positively contribute to council and the community. I would like to see major infrastructure projects like the Sports precinct and Conservatorium and Planetarium come to fruition as well as other projects like the establishment of a world class MTB track encompassing Mt Canobolas and the Glenwood state forest.
My work in the mental health space and continuing water storage and quality initiatives are also high on my list of community based concerns. I would like opportunity to continue to speak and be a voice for the community.
Tammy Greenhalgh
Cr Greenhalgh says: I will definitely be running, [there's] too much unfinished business and projects I need to achieve for our community.
Frances Kinghorne
Cr Kinghorne says: I will run again - this has been a short term and it's really only now that I feel like I know what I am doing. It seems a bit wasteful to throw that away so I'll have a go for one more term.
I have no interest in being mayor and will not be running for that position.
Yet to confirm
Reg Kidd
Mr Kidd says: Never say never ... there's a fair bit of pressure from various groups to see if I'll run again, and I possibly will.
I'm not saying yes, but I've not ruled it out. It just depends on what happens in the next six months.
I promised my wife I'd have a break and I have ... but there's a few things that I think that the community are not particularly happy about.
Jason Hamling
The incumbent mayor has so far declined to comment on his plans for the upcoming election.
Kevin Duffy
Kevin Duffy says: I haven't even given any thought ... I've been flat-strap.
There's a lot of water to go under the bridge between now and then.
Jack Evans
Jack Evans said: I'm keeping my options open at this point.
David Mallard
The sole Greens councillor is yet to comment on his plans.