A former spokesman for one of the region’s biggest developers will stand for council at October’s elections.
David Withington said he resigned from his corporate affairs role with L Bisinella Developments this week to run for Windemere Ward, covering Lara and parts of northern Geelong.
He has spoken for the company on several council-related incidents, including its ban on former Lara councillor Tony Ansett attending Bisinella’s office and on the company’s failed application to open a quarry near the You Yangs.
Mr Withington worked in public relations at City Hall from 1997 to early 2000, most notably devising Geelong’s Smart Move campaign to attract new residents and build community pride.
He previously worked for Premier John Cain’s Labor State Government in the ’80s after 15 years as a journalist on Melbourne’s major daily newspapers.
Mr Withington said City Hall needed “a fresh start”.
“Hopefully, the new council will enjoy initial community goodwill, but success will not come easily. Expectations will be high,” he said.
“The way councillors conduct themselves and go about their important work will come under even more intense scrutiny than usual.”
Mr Withington nominated his candidacy “areas of interest” as economic activity and jobs, maintenance of parks and gardens, and assisting sports clubs and community organisations.
“My campaign will not be based on making promises I might not be able to keep,” he said.
“As the campaign progresses, no doubt I will learn much about the main issues on people’s minds.”
