Democracy in Wollongong: The Business Leader : Mark McDonald

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Mark McDonald is a Partner at local law firm Maguire & McInerney, and is also on the board of the Illawarra Business Chamber.

He is known to the community as a strongly independent business leader, and was recently put forward in a mock poll in the Illawarra Mercury as one of the leading candidates for future Mayor.

Mr McDonald has strong views about development and economic prosperity for Wollongong and believes we need to move forward with an elected, independent local government.

“The bottom line, in my view, is that we need local government to return here – we need elected local government… We’re not going to get it before the next election, we’ve got to acknowledge that.” Mr McDonald said.

“But I would like to see an independent Council, and independent Lord Mayor, take stock of this city or anyone other than those entrenched.”

“The political parties have to be made to work for and earn the respect and support of the local people.”

Note: In his interviews, Mr McDonald speaks about the need to update Wollongong’s ‘disgraceful’ sporting facilities – WIN Stadium. It should be noted that in the time since this interview, Premier Nathan Rees has announced a $28 million refurbishment for the stadium.

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