Shoalhaven Mayor Joanna Gash said a vicious smear campaign against her has fired her up to once again stand at the local government election in September.
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A four-page flyer started circulating in Nowra on Wednesday, declaring “Gash Must Go” and she had “Failed”.
Printed and authorised by G Nosworthy, of South Nowra, who the Register sought comment from but didn’t respond, includes three pages of perceived failures by the Councillor Gash led council.
Cr Gash said she knows who is responsible for the brochure and declared them “gutless wonders.”
“This is full of hatred, full of negativity. My question to them is what are you going to do that is positive for our city,” she said.
“You can bag me all you like, I need to know what you are going to do that will improve the CBD, the community in general for our city, that provides jobs and infrastructure. They are the things I concentrate on.”
She said the criticism had “fired her up even more” and had made up her mind to again run for mayor at the September Local Government election.
“I’m determined to do the best for this community. I’m determined to stand again as mayor as there is so much to do in this city,” she said.
“The councillors with me have worked extremely hard and they have copped a bagging by me being victimised by this but so have our staff.
“Our staff do the work for our community and they have also been maligned by this brochure being directed at me.
“This has fired me up even more.”
She has even stuck the brochure on the mayoral door.
“It is to remind me everyday why I’m coming in and why I’m continuing to work for this city,” she said.
“I will not stop. I don’t like the word bully but I won’t let them stop me doing what I intend to do.”
Cr Gash said she knows who is behind the brochure but won’t say who they are.
“I absolutely know who they are. You might recall, I had the same sort of brochure in my first term of council,” she said.
“I know the printing. I know the people, who they are. I challenge them to come forward, put your name up, stand for council and fight it on the policies you want to do for the betterment of our city, the same as I will do.”
She had been considering her options about standing again but said this had “reignited her drive”.
“This has certainly made me more determined to stand again and do the best I can for our community. Our people, job creation, infrastructure development and to make sure all the facilities and services are provided for our city.”
She admitted it had been a tough first term in council.
“There has been a lot of criticism,” she said.
“Personally, I have to live with myself and look in the mirror every morning. All I know is, I try to tell the truth.
“I believe it is important to fill the community in as to what we are doing. We put everything on exhibition, we attend most to the forums held in the villages to try and explain exactly what this council is doing.
“People need to understand and see exactly what we are doing. If we want their comments and criticism they need to participate as well. That was one of the commitments we made at the last election to communicate better to our community.”
She was made aware some months ago such a brochure would be put into circulation.
“I heard a brochure about me was being produced and it was pretty derogatory,” she said.
“I’m shocked how hard the brochure is. A lot I could respond too but I don’t intend to give it credibility.
“I will move on from here and I want to prove to the community my heart is in the right place. We want to make better the facilities and services we have. And to continue the communication with our staff who work damn hard and our councillors as well.”