MAYOR Andrew Lee has this week lodged his nomination for the upcoming local government elections, seeking a second term in the mayoral position.
While he conceded his first term had been turbulent, Mr Lee said he hoped ratepayers would recognise his efforts to deliver on his campaign promises.
“As I have said before, I believe I have honoured 70pc of the things I pledged during my campaign,” he told The Border Watch.
“Four years ago I knocked on doors and the three main concerns for our ratepayers were healthcare, unemployment and footpaths.
“While healthcare is governed by the state, we have lobbied on behalf of the community.
“To address unemployment, we have set money aside to develop our tourism industry and our footpath program has increased by 90pc.”
Mr Lee said he was proud of his involvement in a number of Mount Gambier City Council initiatives and projects during his term as civic leader, citing the Railway Lands and central business district revitalisation.
“When you look at our track record during this term, it is clear we are taking action to address issues,” he said.
“Almost $2m in debt has been paid off in the last four years and we have had zero borrowing.
“We have implemented tourism strategies to grow our economy and cultural strategies to improve community wellbeing.”
He said during his first term council had “laid the groundwork” and he hoped to see a number of projects through to fruition.
“It is a slow burn – you cannot expect to see all the results at once,” he said.
“I would like to continue to interact with people and listen to them – my door is always open and I am always happy to engage with people down the street or meet people for a coffee.”
When asked how he intended to campaign this time around, Mr Lee said he would knock on “as many doors as will open for (him)”.
“I am a genuine person and I care and I am passionate about this city,” he said.
“I would like to continue to prove that.”
