Port Stephens West Ward residents are getting the opportunity to raise concerns their council candidates at a public forum tonight at Stockton RSL Bowling Club.
In recent weeks council has been involved in political infighting with councillors filing defamation cases against one another. The forum will give residents the opportunity to ensure they are making an informed choice at the upcoming Local Council elections in September.
Fern Bay Fullerton Cove Progress Association Chair Sally Johnston says the forum kicks off at 7:30pm with at least six West Ward and Mayoral candidates getting around five minutes each to tell the crowd why they're standing and what they hope to achieve in the area should they be elected.
"Previously we've been down the far end of the council area and been somewhat forgotten - that's been changing a bit in the last year but there's a lot of small issues that are relevant for our residents, even simple things like bus stops, being able to cross the road safely, we're hoping though, that residents will get a feel for what candidates are going to best represent their interests," said Sally Johnston.
Residents just want a council willing to work together.
"I think broadly speaking we want a council that is actually going to work together and that's going to listen to the community particularly for Fern Bay and Fullerton Cove," said Sally Johnston.
