Matthew and Nyssa Stadtmiller.

My name is Matthew Stadtmiller, I’m 33 and I’m the editor of the Twin Town Times. I intend to run as a candidate for the Hilltops Local Shire Council election on 9 September 2017.

I have no time for any other candidates intent on having their snouts in the trough.

I believe that voters need transparency in local government.

I:    • was a Harden Shire Councillor 2012-2016 and Deputy Mayor in 2013,

• chose not to take up a position as an advisor to the Hilltops Council Administrator in 2016 because I believe in democracy. A sole Administrator with a group of advisors not allowed to publicly speak on Council issues is undemocratic – voters being able to vote is democratic. We were denied that vote because in the Local Council elections of September 2016, Hilltops didn’t get to vote,

• along with then Councillor Cathy Sanderson, initiated the Harden Skate Park; we and a hardworking team of local ladies including Amanda Shea, Kellie Potts and Michelle Irving amongst many others, were able to make the Skate Park happen,

• will move to fast track a Local Environment Plan which lets the Hilltops grow in its land uses and provide the area with a plan for housing, industry and commercial areas,

• admire both of my grandfathers who fought for Australia and its democracy in WWII – again, I believe in democracy.

• as editor of the Twin Town Times, have fought the good fight in calling the Harden and Hilltops Councils to account,

• have, in the Twin Town Times, publicised the hard stories of injustice to local residents,

• have been a board member of the Bendigo Bank in Harden,

• am on the Flexible Care Board, which provides care and support to those in our community who need it; I believe a community is judged by the way they treat their most vulnerable residents,

• can guarantee that if you were to vote for me I would work hard for you, your family and your community. Nyssa (my wife) and I want to raise our own family here. I have done my ‘apprenticeship’ in local government. A vote for me gets you an experienced Councillor who is willing to ask the hard questions and keep the organisation accountable. My only purpose is to serve the residents and ratepayer, by representing you to the best of my ability.

For reasons of transparency I would like to acknowledge the fact that I own a majority share of the Twin Town Times and like all other candidates need to publicise my candidacy in the media, including Harden-Murrumburrah and surrounds. I have made an open offer for any Hilltops candidates to contact the paper to announce their candidacy and for me to promote them through a bio, a series of questions closer to the election and to assist in any advertising they might require. I would also like to disclose that any advertisements regarding me, which appear in the Times during the election will be fully paid for by me. Yes I understand that this is a unique situation. Thank you.