MAYOR Andrew Lee will seek re-election to represent the city as its civic leader for a second term.
Despite controversy during his first term, Mr Lee said he believed he had effectively lobbied on behalf of the community on a number of issues.
“I do believe I have accomplished many of the things I set out to achieve when I was elected,” Mr Lee told The Border Watch yesterday.
“I believe I have honoured 70pc of the things I pledged during my campaign.
“I have lobbied on behalf of the community with council and the city’s political leaders – together we convinced the former health minister to reinstate palliative care and we fought against the legal centre closure.
“As a result, we now have two lawyers to service the region.”
Mr Lee said he was proud to have been involved with the implementation of a number of Mount Gambier City Council initiatives, citing the youth engagement strategy and the city’s focus on arts and culture.
“We run a transparent organisation with sound financial management – we have borrowed zero dollars in the past four years,” he said.
“We had a good relationship with the former Labor Government and if I am re-elected I will build a good relationship with the current State Government as well.”
While he faced allegations of misconduct in his mayoral position last January in relation to his role in the sale of a Coonawarra winery to a Chinese company, he was ultimately cleared of any wrongdoing by the state ombudsman.
More recently Mr Lee has been at the centre of public debate surrounding a proposed $40m indoor sport and recreation centre.
“You cannot please everyone and the people who disagree with you always make the most noise,” Mr Lee said.
“If 10pc of people disagree with a decision, we will hear more from them than from the 90pc who agree.
“Would you prefer a civic leader who is always sitting on the fence or someone who stands firm on a decision?”
Mr Lee said he was confident about his re-election chances when ratepayers head to the polls in November.
“I am definitely confident heading into the election – I can only control my own destiny, not what others think of me,” he said.
“I feel as long as I serve the majority of the community and the majority are happy with my leadership, I am in with a good chance.”
