Perth Voice Interactive

WEST PERTH resident Anthony Fisk will run for Vincent’s south ward at this October’s election, making that four candidates for the ward’s two spots.

Mr Fisk works in communications, currently with Western Power and before that iiNet, and says he wants to use his skills to open up better dialogue with locals. He’s also passionate about giving micro-businesses a leg up.

Recently he wrote to the council about strengthening the identity of West Perth: the chunk of the suburb in Vincent is often forgotten, and its southern end is quiet and rundown.

He’s been thinking about running for a while — it’s in his blood, with his dad a former mayor of Burwood in NSW — but it was the lack of response to his concerns that galvanised his decision.

He’d also like to see more done to help small businesses set up in areas of the town that are suffering economic doldrums.

“One of the things we’re facing all over Perth is the economy’s in flux and going down in some parts, and we need to be smarter in how we redevelop some places that might be declining like parts of West Perth that are being vacated.”

As an example, he notes the crossfit gym he attends had to jump through hoops to set up, being held to strict requirements to provide parking bays despite the area being desperately underpopulated.

If elected he says he’ll champion micro-business and co-location set ups (where you might have a cafe and a gallery in a space that’s too big for either).

“Throwing support behind local businesses brings benefit to the whole community,” he says. “I want to work with residents and businesses alike to determine common goals we can work towards.

“Plus, as a new dad, I’m more conscious than ever about safety and ensuring our roads and public spaces can be enjoyed no matter the time of day or night.”

A Labor party member (but running as an independent), he’s up against the two candidates endorsed by mayor (and fellow Labor party member) John Carey—Jimmy Murphy and Susan Gontaszewski. Incumbent John Pintabona will also recontest. In north ward the only candidates we’ve heard from so far are deputy mayor Ros Harley and Dan Loden.

by DAVID BELL