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MAYORAL candidates will fight tooth and nail to justify why they should claim the city’s top job in a live debate at the Arts Centre Gold Coast.
Division 7 Councillor Susie Douglas, Islander Resort Hotel CEO Tom Tate, former deputy mayor David Power (pictured), Elvis marriage celebrant Dean Vegas and marine campaigner Keith Douglas will duke it out at the Young Professionals Gold Coast (YPGC) event on Thursday October 27.
The trio will be grilled to explain what they will do to help improve quality of life in the city. They will speak and answer questions about employment, culture, public transport, tourism, red tape, the construction industry and the Gold Coast City Council’s relationship with the Bligh Government.
Power says the debate is an ideal opportunity for voters to see differences in the policies of each candidate.
“I will raise issue of local government bureaucracy and need for elected representatives to be held more accountable,” says Power.
“I will also talk about the impact of the city’s $100 million bill to dismantle water retailer Allconnex on the next few budgets.”
There has also been considerable controversy between contenders. According to media reports Power has been accused of using an alias to attack Tate’s credibility on the internet.
When asked about whether the debate would provide more clarity on the dispute, Power laughed off the claim saying his phone records show he was discussing charity matters at the time of the alleged attack.
Newly appointed Gold Coast Bulletin editor Peter Gleeson will moderate. The afternoon debate costs $75 per person and includes a gourmet two-course meal, beer wine and non-alcoholic beverages.
YPGC is inviting the general public to provide questions they would like to put before the mayoral candidates. Email suggestions to [email protected]
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