Sitting Alderman Kelly Sims has confirmed her candidacy for the 2021 by-election for Mayor of Glenorchy City Council.
“The northern suburbs are a richly diversified community on the doorstep of our capital city,” she said. “We have so much potential to offer and opportunity ahead, if facilitated well by an integral leader.”
Sims told Tasmanian Times that she felt the community was not being included the way they should be in the development of the city.
“There is investment on the way, but we need to leverage that for maximum community involvement so we have good social outcomes,” she said.
“However lucky we are (in the northern suburbs), we cannot pretend that we as a socially vulnerable community do not still face significant challenges,” Sims said. “Quality leadership and advocacy are absolutely crucial if we are to maximise outcomes from current opportunities.”
A small business owner and adult trainer, Sims says she has a proven track record for achieving nationally recognised outcomes in various sectors for Tasmania.
She has received formal recognition and awards for her work across sustainability, early childhood education, business management and mental health. She also describes herself as ‘well-travelled’ having spent time in various countries, including a stint volunteering in Nepal
She said her strong points as a candidate included a proven ability to speak up and advocate for the wider community as a currently serving alderman.
“We need more genuine people who care about serving the community, not more career politicians.”
Sims declared that she has no plan to move into state or federal politics, and is simply motivated to support the people of Glenorchy by committing for the long haul, “if that’s what they so choose.”
If elected, Sims plans to work collaboratively with the state government on achieving realistic solutions to improve transport to the northern suburbs. She believes that a modern sustainable transport system that embraces emerging technology would be the most likely solution for the northern suburbs transit corridor.
“Maybe we need to take a step back from just thinking about light rail and look at all the options that might be available,” Sims said. “It might take a few years but it’s worthwhile getting it right, for maximum benefit.”
Sims indicated that she would like to be proactive on social issues, especially balancing those that are impacting economic outcomes and councils bottom-line. The housing crisis, and how this relates to current policy and mental health are at the forefront of her work; she organised, facilitated and reported on the most recent nation-wide homelessness symposium and expert panel for the Mental Health Foundation Australia at Hobart Town Hall in October 2020.
Sims acknowledged that it was going to be a difficult contest to win, but was hopeful of being able to create a distinct impression. “I’ve had lots of offers of support, so it’s going to be a grassroots campaign,” she said.
Other candidates are expected to include – nominations do not formally open until 7 June – current Deputy Mayor Bec Thomas, Alderman Steve King, and former MHA for Clark Sue Hickey.
The mayoral and aldermanic election for the GCC will be held concurrently with the Kingborough and West Coast council’s by-election.
The Tasmanian Electoral Commission has stated that voting material will be provided to electors by post between 22-25 June 2021. Polls close 2pm on 20 July and the results will be made publicly available from 24 July 2021.
You can view Alderman Sims’s Application to the People below.
