Liberals retain Hunter Ward

Liberal candidate Leon Goltsman was elected as a councillor for the Hunter Ward with a massive 76 per cent of the primary vote in a by-election held on June 4.

“If you add the Labor and Green vote and multiply by three, we’re still ahead – it’s a huge margin,” Mr Goltsman said.

“But my goal wasn’t simply to win. I wanted to introduce myself and connect with voters, get to know them, and I think we achieved that.”

Ms Goltsman said he had run a positive campaign and had even put up signs for the other candidates at a prepoll in Rose Bay to “ensure it was a fair election and people knew who was in the running”.

“We were very fair and always made sure we were sending a positive message,” he said.

Until the next local government elections in September next year, Mr Goltsman said he will work for a safer community looking at everything from pedestrian crossings, traffic and the crime rate to trees and fences that could be a hazard.

He also wants to maintain a clean environment with clean streets and greater neighbourhood appeal and wants to introduce programs to improve gardens and get the community involved in taking care of parks.

“Climate change is very important. I cycle well over 10,000 kilometres per year on my bike, I walk wherever possible and I recycle,” he said. “I also believe in enforcing fines for littering and cracking down on illegal dumping and graffiti.”

Mr Goltsman has lived in the Bondi area since he was five years old. He has a Diploma in Business Management and operates an advertising and marketing business.

He unsuccessfully ran for council as an Independent in 2008. This time he ran as a Liberal and won over Labor candidate Di Smith and Greens candidate Virginia Milson.

“I have a lot of respect for the other candidates. I don’t necessarily agree with their policies or some of the actions taken by their political parties but it’s encouraging when people stand up for their beliefs. I want to thank them for their hard work,” he said.

The byelection, said to cost ratepayers more than $70,000, was called after Liberal councillor Yvonne Coburn resigned to move to Melbourne where her husband was relocated for work.