HAVING served for 13 years as a councillor, including six as deputy mayor, the most senior and only woman to contest the Port Stephens mayoral race, Sally Dover, says she is ready to lead.

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For the 78-year-old Salamander Bay great grandmother, the mayoral election is more about continuing to build on the economic achievements of the previous councils.

“Yes we do need more sanity in our council meetings, and I have both the experience and compassion to ensure I lead a more cohesive council,” Mrs Dover said.

“I will not be intimidated and I will stamp out bad language during the meetings.

“My mantra will be to respect and honour one another.”

Mrs Dover said she felt disillusioned that some of the infighting among predominantly a couple of councillors had overshadowed the excellent economic results during her time on council.

“In the past two terms of council (nine years) we have managed to turn an $11 million debt into a $1.2 million surplus,” she said.

“In addition this council since 2012 has reduced the infrastructure gap from $29 million down to $18 million.

“We have fabulous council staff and this council has won many awards, including the Council Employer of the Year for 2016… you don’t get that by being dysfunctional.”

A longtime member of Tomaree Youth Community Action, the Rock Church and the Graffiti Action team, Mrs Dover said she aimed to continue to build partnerships with community groups on improving footpaths, cycleways and parks.

Her other goals include planning and funding of the Fingal Bay link road and ensuring the council’s future financial sustainability.

Mrs Dover will stand as an Independent.

By Charlie ELIAS