Former Mayor Camilo Blanco said he had ‘no choice but to run’ as 18 town residents nominate for council

Former Port Hedland Mayor Camilo Blanco has said he had “no choice but to run for a council position” as 18 town residents have come forth to represent the interests of Port Hedland. Submissions have closed for the Town Council and the election campaign has now begun as some familiar faces and new candidates are seeking to step up to the plate with four spots on the council up for grabs. The candidates are Ambika Rebello, Camilo Blanco, Gary Silcok, George Daccache, Gloria Jacobs, Glorymore Sibiya, James Stanley, Jan Gillingham, Jillian Fisher, Johnny Ashenden, Katie Norwell, Lauren Thompson, Lorraine Butson, Mary Wyn, Renae Coles, Roger Higgins, Sven Arentz and Tekohi Rivera The news of Mr Blanco deciding to run for the council comes after it was reported in June that Mayor Peter Carter was suing Mr Blanco over claims he made in an online video. In his candidate statement, Mr Blanco said he felt compelled to run for the council. “I have been your mayor previously but this time I have no choice but to run for a council position,” he said. Mr Blanco said he would try to address the difficult issues in town. “Hedland needs someone that can hold people accountable and tackle the real issues, alcohol-related harm, domestic violence, child sex abuse, lack of police resources, increasing crime in our region, education, truancy, health services, housing affordability,” he said. In 2019 Mr Blanco, who was serving as mayor at the time, and every other councillor was dismissed by the Local Government Minister. The decision came after Cr Carter’s resignation meant the minimum number of councillors needed to form a quorum was lost. At the time Mr Blanco said he believed the move was a plot to remove him from his position because of his criticism of the State Government “What I can see now is that there will probably be no voice within the community to address the issues I have made public,” he said. Multiple big decisions face the Town of Port Hedland in the upcoming months with the takeover of the Yacht Club still being negotiated and the heritage status of the old Marine Base out for public consultation. Cost of living, crime, youth services and education, childcare, healthcare, and retirement support are on the agenda for multiple candidates as viewed in their submission statements. Cr Gillingham and Cr Coles have decided to run for re-election. In her public statement, Cr Coles said she still had a lot of work she wanted to do as a councillor. “Whilst there has been significant positive changes, I know there is still a lot, that still needs to happen, to ensure our community continues to grow,” she said. “This is a fight that I’m willing to fight for and will never back down from.” Councillors Elmar Zielke and Jason Keller are not seeking re-election. Cr Zielke said his decision was based on personal reasons and he was moving back to Queensland with his family. The election will take place on October 21 and the results will be declared on October 23. Candidate profiles can be found on the Town of Port Hedland website.