Pooley gets Labor’s nod for Town Hall

Cr Pooley defeated the former NSW upper house president, Meredith Burgmann, by 546 votes to 333 at the Labor state conference.

He joins fellow councillors Shayne Mallard, Chris Harris and Clover Moore in the race for Lord Mayor, as well as former Sydney Opera House director Michael Lynch.

Cr Pooley said he was pleased to receive the party's support, adding that Labor needed to present a positive alternative to the current administration.

"I look forward to putting my ideas forward for improving the delivery of vital services to residents and ratepayers," Cr Pooley said.

In a speech to conference delegates he outlined his vision for securing Sydney's future.

"I'm running for Lord Mayor because I want to improve services and infrastructure to make sure Sydney retains its position as Australia's number one city," he said.

Cr Pooley referred to the blow out of the Surry Hills and community facilities budget from $3.6 million to $19 million and the Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre from $25 million to $40 million in just one year.

"We need a city and a Lord Mayor that spends less on grand vision statements and consultants and more on people and social services," he said.

Cr Pooley said he would focus on restoring financial accountability in capital works projects and fairer distribution of the city's vast resources.

"I'm determined to work hard to ensure the whole community reaps the benefit of the city's resources," he said.

Source: Courier 14 May 2008