WELL-known King Island councillor Sarina Laidler says the North West, including King Island, deserves a strong voice in Parliament.
Ms Laidler has been endorsed as a Liberal candidate for Braddon in the March 23 State Election.
If elected it is thought she would be the first State MP from King Island.
Ms Laidler was controversially removed from her council seat after she missed three consecutive council meetings when attending to her dying husband’s medical emergency treatments.
Under local government regulations an apology was not accepted.
However, she was re-elected unopposed in the subsequent by election in early January.
Throughout the ordeal Ms Laidler said she wanted to work for changes in the regulations to include compassionate grounds.
“I do not want anyone else to go through this again,” she said. Ms Laidler has a strong community focus and understanding of the needs of individuals in the community particularly in health and allied services having worked as the King Island Council’s health promotion officer and later with Phoenix House and for many years volunteered, with her late husband Kevin, for the island’s ambulance service.
She has received a Commonwealth Certificate of Appreciation for Volunteering, Ambulance Tasmania Long Service and National Medal and is a founder and a life member of Phoenix Community House.
She has been active with the King Island Development Organisation and within their respective organistions that includes King Island Tourism, Chamber of Commerce and Shipping.
Drawing on business qualifications, family farming knowledge and extensive understanding of government processes not only on the island but within regional environments and across the North West region, Ms Laidler decided to give back to the community, and successfully stood for the King Island Council.
“I’m excited to be representing such a dynamic team who will continue to build a strong Tasmania,” she said.
I’m looking forward to getting out and about over the coming weeks to share the Liberals’ 2030 strong plan for Tasmania’s future.
“There is lots of work to do over the coming weeks,” she said.
King Island Mayor Marcus Blackie said it was his position not to endorse any candidates for the State Election. “I trust the discernment of King Island voters,” he said. “On a personal level I like Sarina very much and extend my sincere best wishes for her campaign.
However, he said: “We currently have a huge council workload and several large projects to deliver so we need to swim in our lane for a while”.
“I continue to work full-time delivering on my commitments, backed up by the venerable Deputy Mayor, remaining dedicated councillors and staff.
“I find considerable nobility and satisfaction in doing the job I was elected to do, working for our ratepayers.
“No political party could entice me away mid-term from my commitment as Mayor,” Mr Blackie said.
Ms Laidler will take leave from the council.