City of Stirling candidate Grant Ross Macdonald accused of exposing himself to woman at City beach

A man accused of exposing himself at a Perth beach is running for Stirling council at this month’s local government election. Grant Ross Macdonald, of North Beach, was charged in June with committing indecent acts in public at City beach. The 58-year-old will defend the charge, claiming he’s the victim of a false report, when the case goes to trial on January 21 after a trial date was set in Perth Magistrates Court on Tuesday. Mr Macdonald said he had nominated to run for a Coastal ward vacancy – against former Carine Liberal MLA Tony Krsticevic and coastal resident Simon Wheeler – for more transparency in local government but in hindsight should not have because of the pending court case. “I shouldn’t have (nominated) in hindsight but I just had forgotten about it (the court case), didn’t think about it,” he said, adding that “it takes forever” to wait for a trial. Mr Macdonald said in his candidate profile he had eight years’ experience in local government as a building surveyor, builder and in environmental health. He was associated with North Beach Cricket Club and Friends of Star Swamp, the bushland of which “I visit daily”. “I am particularly interested in the natural environment, how it is managed, important issues such as feral species cats, introduced plants,” he said. “I support transparency of local government… I am not working fulltime, are available for any concerns you may have and aim to be a voice that reflects and stands for any member of the city.” Outgoing Coastal ward councillor Karen Caddy said it was “very clear” she was endorsing Mr Krsticevic in the election and not Mr Macdonald. “At election time, all sorts of misinformation gets spread,” she said in response to claims she had supported Mr Krsticevic and Mr Macdonald ahead of Mr Wheeler. “I have in no way endorsed Grant, I don’t know him from a bar of soap.” Stirling Mayor Mark Irwin said he was unable to comment on Mr Macdonald’s candidacy before the City released a statement. “The City is aware of allegations about a candidate for the local government election, including that he has been charged with criminal offences,” the statement read. “As the matter is still before the courts, the City is unable to comment on any allegations. “The WA Electoral Commission is conducting the election on the City’s behalf, therefore any matters relating to candidates should be referred to the commission. “Matters relating to allegations of criminal conduct and any prosecutions should be referred to WA Police.”