Greater Geraldton mayoral candidate Aaron Horsman wants to bring change, transparency to council

Despite not currently sitting on council, Aaron Horsman has attended every council meeting this year and it’s clear he wants to see things change. That is why the Geraldton resident of 25 years decided to throw his hat in the mayoral ring, as one of four candidates for the council’s top job. His involvement at meetings indicates a man who is passionate about the City of Greater Geraldton. ”My focus as mayor would be to support the council and staff in providing good quality, accountable and transparent local governance to the ratepayers, a value for money service that utilises the ratepayers money in a responsible fashion in the most cost-effective way,” Mr Horsman said. Mr Horsman has been a prominent local figure in the anti-mandatory vaccination movement, having run in the 2021 State election and last year’s North West Central by-election for the No Mandatory Vaccination Party. Currently a full-time single father, the mayoral hopeful has experience in mining, management, planning and development, but is currently completing his certificate four in Information Technology at TAFE. Mr Horsman is urging residents to “vote for change” and that fresh blood was needed after two terms with Shane Van Styn at the helm. The incumbent is vying for a third term. “By considering myself, Tammy (Croasdale) and Jerry (Clune) on the ballot paper, in that order, preferences will decide who wins this, in my opinion. I commend Tammy and Jerry in standing up, it is difficult in the face of bullying, it is important to do so,” he said. Mr Horsman believes the main issues facing the city are reassessing the $1.3 million being spent on attracting Nexus Airlines to Geraldton and more community consultation on the Maitland Park redevelopment, as well as prioritising a youth centre. His focus has also turned to ratepayers, and having their wallets at the fore during the cost-of-living crisis, with a suggestion to decrease the mayoral allowance. “By reducing the mayoral allowances from $98,000 to $40,000, I will save the ratepayer over $200,000 in a four-year term,” he said. “The rates in Geraldton are comparatively high and my main focus is to reign in spending on unneeded projects, in order to provide rate relief in 2024-25” Mr Horsman, who is also running for a councillor spot, said his door would always be open, even to minor queries and encourages lower income demographics to become involved in council question time.