Skinner's surprise return to mix
TWEED Shire Councillor and former mayor Kevin Skinner has surprised many in the area with his decision to allow his name to be added to a group of independent candidates for September's local government election.
Cr Skinner said his decision was taken only two days ago and although he had made up his mind not to run again, when he was asked to make up the numbers and become the fourth name on the ticket, he reluctantly agreed.
The group needed a fourth member in order to have enough candidates to appear above the line on ballot papers and because the chances of making onto council as a fourth candidate were slim, Cr Skinner agreed.
Cr Skinner said Ms Henry had agreed to be his No.2 before he decided not to run and he wanted to repay her support.
"It's absolutely unheard of and practically and technically speaking almost impossible to be elected when you're the fourth name on the ticket," Cr Skinner said.
"I'm purely doing it to help out.
"I've known Ms Henry for some years and when I heard she was looking for a fourth member, I decided to give her a hand.
"I'll be handing out how to vote cards to try and get Jayne across the line.
"I'll also be supporting Bruce Campbell and if Warren (Polglase) and Phil (Youngblutt) need any help, I'll hand out how to vote cards for them, too.
"I just want to make sure we've got a strong conservative presence on the next council," Cr Skinner said.
