By Esther Lauaki
Veteran Melton councillor Sophie Ramsey will throw her hat in the ring for the state election.
The longest serving Coburn ward councillor, and four-time mayor, announced her candidacy last Wednesday as voters prepare to head to the polls later this month.
Cr Ramsey has lived in the municipality for about three decades and has served on the council for 18 of those years.
She said her main motivation was to “shake things up” in the electoral race.
“We need to provide options for the voters in Melton to really shake it up so that our community can get the best outcome,” Cr Ramsey told
Star Weekly.
“I’m running because I really want to make a difference.”
She said her ear has always been close to the ground when it comes to community concerns.
“After 18 years on council I know how hard it is to advocate for things when you live in a safe seat,” Cr Ramsey said. “I’ll be campaigning for the funding for a 24-hour public hospital to be delivered now, widen the Western Freeway, more police and zero tolerance on crime, opportunities for more local jobs and a focus on early delivery of schools.
“I’ve been the mayor four times, deputy mayor as well and these are the concerns that our residents have raised time and time again.
“Melton is such a growth corridor and we won’t be ignored.”
Standing as an independent, Cr Ramsey said her other focuses include mental health services, early delivery of community infrastructure and the electrification of the Melton train line.
