The State Election is less than three weeks away, and six candidates have been announced for the seat of Mount Gambier. Who's your pick? Still not sure? Scroll down to vote in the poll.
Get to know your candidates
Troy Bell (Independent)
Troy Bell is the current sitting MP for the seat of Mount Gambier, being elected at the 2014 elections, with almost double the votes of his closest threat, Don Pegler. The former teacher was a member of the Liberal Party until recently, when he decided to step down due to allegations against him relating to alleged misappropriation of funds during his role as the manager of the Independent Learning Centre in Mount Gambier, prior to being elected - allegations he has vehemently denied.
Bell decided to run instead as an independent, with many members of the community continuing to support him, focusing more on his lengthy list of achievements as the local MP during his term, and his constant lobbying for the region.
Craig Marsh (Liberal)
Back in October, the former weatherman was announced as the Liberal candidate for the election. Marsh spent more then a decade as the station manager of the Mount Gambier Meteorological office, and has been actively involved in the community, particularly his work with Generations in Jazz.
Craig has put a lot of effort during his campaign to speak with members of the community face-to-face, with a comprehensive door-knocking effort, as well as hosting community forums on the topics of health and energy in Mount Gambier.
Kate Amoroso (SA Best)
For the last couple of years, Kate Amoroso has been far from quiet. Campaigning for drug rehabilitation services in the region, and to change the current social stigmas surrounding mental health and drug addiction, Kate has been busy drawing from her own personal experiences to inspire and create change.
Kate has been meeting with politicians and local Councillors well before any talk of elections, and has been actively involved in community committees and advisory groups, particularly in the fields of health and social inclusion.
Gregg Bisset (Australian Conservatives)
Earlier this month, Cory Bernardi announced 33 candidates for his new Australian Conservatives party, one of whom was local agribusiness manager and former volunteer community liason for Prison Fellowship SA Gregg Bisset.
Gregg has shown support for the policies of the AC party and how he feels they will benefit the region.
In a Border Watch article, Australian Conservatives MLC Robert Brokenshire called Bisset an "outstanding candidate who knows what it is really like to be a country person."
Isabel Scriven (Labor)
At just 21 years of age, Isabel Scriven is our youngest candidate. The daughter of Labor's candidate for the Limestone Coast for the Legislative Council recently joined her parents Mount Gambier-based painting business, with previous experience working with Federal Senator Alex Gallacher and State MP Ton Kenyon.
Isabel says that her candidacy is a win for young people and women in regional areas.
"Mount Gambier has never had a female parliamentary representative, largely because the Liberal Party only selects middle-aged men in this region."
As well as advocating for young people in the region, Scriven has also spoken on the opportunities to further develop tourism in the region, and promotion of the region to young professionals.
Lance Jones (Dignity Party)
Just last Wednesday, the Dignity Party announced lawyer Lance Jones as their candidate for Mount Gambier. Jones also established the Mount Gambier office of Comrec Australia offering day options and respite for people with disabilities 20 years ago.
“It’s time to ensure equity and justice for people with a disability and mental health issues. South Australia needs to ensure the rights of people with mental illness, and disability are upheld in all facets of life – including business, access and the justice system.”
As well as disability services, Lance is also a keen advocate for arts in Mount Gambier, being a regular participant in community theatre.
Get to know your candidates
Troy Bell (Independent)
Troy Bell is the current sitting MP for the seat of Mount Gambier, being elected at the 2014 elections, with almost double the votes of his closest threat, Don Pegler. The former teacher was a member of the Liberal Party until recently, when he decided to step down due to allegations against him relating to alleged misappropriation of funds during his role as the manager of the Independent Learning Centre in Mount Gambier, prior to being elected - allegations he has vehemently denied.
Bell decided to run instead as an independent, with many members of the community continuing to support him, focusing more on his lengthy list of achievements as the local MP during his term, and his constant lobbying for the region.
Craig Marsh (Liberal)
Back in October, the former weatherman was announced as the Liberal candidate for the election. Marsh spent more then a decade as the station manager of the Mount Gambier Meteorological office, and has been actively involved in the community, particularly his work with Generations in Jazz.
Craig has put a lot of effort during his campaign to speak with members of the community face-to-face, with a comprehensive door-knocking effort, as well as hosting community forums on the topics of health and energy in Mount Gambier.
Kate Amoroso (SA Best)
For the last couple of years, Kate Amoroso has been far from quiet. Campaigning for drug rehabilitation services in the region, and to change the current social stigmas surrounding mental health and drug addiction, Kate has been busy drawing from her own personal experiences to inspire and create change.
Kate has been meeting with politicians and local Councillors well before any talk of elections, and has been actively involved in community committees and advisory groups, particularly in the fields of health and social inclusion.
Gregg Bisset (Australian Conservatives)
Earlier this month, Cory Bernardi announced 33 candidates for his new Australian Conservatives party, one of whom was local agribusiness manager and former volunteer community liason for Prison Fellowship SA Gregg Bisset.
Gregg has shown support for the policies of the AC party and how he feels they will benefit the region.
In a Border Watch article, Australian Conservatives MLC Robert Brokenshire called Bisset an "outstanding candidate who knows what it is really like to be a country person."
Isabel Scriven (Labor)
At just 21 years of age, Isabel Scriven is our youngest candidate. The daughter of Labor's candidate for the Limestone Coast for the Legislative Council recently joined her parents Mount Gambier-based painting business, with previous experience working with Federal Senator Alex Gallacher and State MP Ton Kenyon.
Isabel says that her candidacy is a win for young people and women in regional areas.
"Mount Gambier has never had a female parliamentary representative, largely because the Liberal Party only selects middle-aged men in this region."
As well as advocating for young people in the region, Scriven has also spoken on the opportunities to further develop tourism in the region, and promotion of the region to young professionals.
Lance Jones (Dignity Party)
Just last Wednesday, the Dignity Party announced lawyer Lance Jones as their candidate for Mount Gambier. Jones also established the Mount Gambier office of Comrec Australia offering day options and respite for people with disabilities 20 years ago.
“It’s time to ensure equity and justice for people with a disability and mental health issues. South Australia needs to ensure the rights of people with mental illness, and disability are upheld in all facets of life – including business, access and the justice system.”
As well as disability services, Lance is also a keen advocate for arts in Mount Gambier, being a regular participant in community theatre.
Who's your pick for the seat of Mount Gambier in the State Election?
Good that Limestone Coast Community News is putting up a list of those running for election in the March State elections because it is of great benefit to Fbook readers who need some idea of who is seeking election. At least those seeking information will know the names of those seeking election even if they do not know what they stand for. God bless you all, electors and those seeking election....think first of what our State needs and then what us individuals need....
ReplyDeletebe careful of what you visit upon us [and upon yourselves]
Thank you so much Joan, I really appreciate it. I enjoy collating information and presenting it to people, so whilst I'm not a big fan of politics, I love the excitement that comes with an election and getting to know those who hope to represent us - so this is fun :)
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