Ex-mayor to stand for Bunbury council

Former Bunbury Mayor David Smith has announced he will again seek a seat on the council at October’s election.

Mr Smith has criticised a number of “bad decisions” that he claims have been made since he was ousted from the top job about 18 months ago.

He will seek one of seven vacant councillor positions at the October 10 vote.

Mr Smith said some of the bad decisions included an increase in rates for industrial property owners and the proposed sale of land in College Grove.

“I also have special concern that council is still not doing enough for seniors and to attract retirees to Greater Bunbury and extra costs and uncertainty being imposed on sporting clubs and other not-for-profit lessees from council,” he said.

“Another reason for standing is that hopefully in the next few years council will get on with projects decided on when I was Mayor, like the water park and other precincts around the inlet, including the friendship park, the Stirling Streets Arts Centre and a new Lotteries House in the CBD.”

Mr Smith has 16 years experience on the council including eight years as Mayor.

Mayor Gary Brennan, who won the top job at the council election in October 2013, refused to respond to Mr Smith’s criticisms.