John Dowson not interested in being new Fremantle mayor

Media Statement

Why I am not running for Mayor of the City of Fremantle

I am not nominating as a mayoral candidate. For the past 4 years as Deputy Mayor I have worked very hard to represent the community interest in the face of mediocrity and vested interests.

The community, while tired of internal bickering, has not fully appreciated the necessity for the battles waged to get better decisions and a better future for Fremantle.

I believe that a fresh and mature face such as Michael Martin will unite the council. A vote for Brad Pettitt, who is backed by Peter Tagliaferri, and the very people who, for example, have given us the Fremantle Markets and SMRC Waste Management fiascos, would be a vote for a continuation of big business and factional interest over community interest.

It is obvious that political parties such as Labor and the Greens want to have a major influence in these council elections. For the mayoralty and in the wards, Fremantle needs to elect community candidates, not party ones.

Good luck to all candidates.
John Dowson
Deputy Mayor
City of Fremantle