Labor candidate Vanessa Keenan has a background in community engagement at Wagga council and sees public office as a “natural transition to continue working with a for the community”.

This week's council meeting agenda was 202 pages long. Do you really think residents will watch a livestream of the council meeting for a few hours on a Monday night?

I’m not proposing something as simple as setting up a camera and pressing record, we can introduce people to what's on agenda and people can tune in and out as they please.

I've spent years sitting in those council meetings and I know the discussions from some councillors can change whether cameras are in the room or not.

We still don't know why former director of planning Andrew Crakanthorp spent 20 weeks on forced leave with full pay while undisclosed allegations against him were investigated. Should council release the report?

In the interests of transparency, I would support some understanding of the unknown allegations in order to provide some sort of resolution.

Transparency increases accountability and strengthens decision-making.

Do you support council's official protest of the greyhound ban?

Yes, I do.

When there's an outcry – no mater what the issue – I support council representing the community to higher levels of government.

What are the biggest issues Wagga faces?

We have boom areas coming onboard in Boorooma, Estella Rise and Gobbagombalin and councillors need to be proactive and anticipate those residents’ demands. 

Look at what's happening with Estella and how long it's taking for them to get a supermarket or school.

Also, it’s important council resources a youth council supported by staff and can build future leaders.

Why is Labor preferencing Wagga Women's Alliance?

Our priorities are quite similar. 

Gender wasn't a driving reason for me to run but it played a part in my decision to do so.

It's a great way to get them involved.