Harvey shire deputy president Michelle Campbell to vie for top job in October 21 local government elections

Shire of Harvey deputy president Michelle Campbell is seeking to step into the top position at October’s local government elections.
Paul Gillet’s second-in-charge is running to succeed him in the top job, putting her hand up alongside three other candidates.
Cr Campbell said her candidacy was a progression of her decision tonominate for the deputy position two years ago.
“To me, that is sort of signalling to the council and the community that I would be interested in stepping up at some stage to the shire president’s position,” she said. “Unfortunately it’s happening sooner rather than later with Cr Paul Gillett resigning, but I thought I am probably in a good position to give it a crack and have a go.”
In addition to six years directly serving on the council, Cr Campbell has been on a number of committee and community boards within the shire
Outside of council, she spent 20 years in the Australian Army, rising to the rank of major, before working in the education sector and spending time with Lot 208 Youth Inc.
Cr Campbell said she had got a good connection with the community through her roles.
“I believe I’m a good advocate for the community on council,” she said.
“I go in without fear or favour, I’ll ask questions if they need to be asked and I vote on the information that’s provided to me.”
Her top priorities if elected to the position will be ensuring the infrastructure is in place to accommodate a growing shire, maintaining her advocacy and being a voice for the community, and nurturing the team environment within council.
“My leadership skills, my ability to communicate with people at all levels, I think that’s important ... (and) I think having that understanding and knowledge of how local government works will hold me in good stead,” Cr Campbell said.
She called on eligible voters to have their voice heard at the poll.
“I don’t think people actually realise how local government impacts on their day-to-day lives, so it’s really important they take the time to come and vote,” she said.
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