This Vote To Be Last
Newcastle Herald
Wednesday September 10, 2008
SATURDAY may mark the final chapter in Peter Blackmore's political career but a new episode in his personal life is about to begin.
The Maitland mayor and former Member for Maitland said this week that Saturday would be his last election.He also said he would wed long-time sweetheart Robyn Pritchard in December."If I'm re-elected for another term it will mark 31 years in public life and after that, it's time to step aside, give someone else a go and concentrate on family," he said."It has been a wonderful three decades and I am so proud of this city's achievements and knowing that I have been part of its success."He said nothing would give him greater pleasure in his last term as mayor than to see his fiancee become mayoress.Regularly by his side, Ms Pritchard has embraced public life and the people she has met accompanying Cr Blackmore to civic functions.With seven children and 15 grandchildren between them, there will be plenty of Blackmore supporters at the polling booths on Saturday.Cr Blackmore says his biggest achievement in local government has been the embracing of his catch cry "the can do city." He said long-term planning frameworks, strategies to generate jobs and lifestyle resources had helped to create an environment in which the city had been able to expand and encourage business and families to the area."It is the place to be and a place a lot of other local government areas envy," he said."The growth of this city has resulted in Stockland wanting to spend $270 million to double the size of its Green Hills centre. Ten years ago this would have been an impossible dream."The city is a success because of our proactive community, energetic business sector and because the council has been focussed on effective forward planning."It was what Maitland needed if it was to maintain its prosperity and "continue to create life opportunities for our children and grandchildren".
© 2008 Newcastle Herald