HIGH school administrator John Watters says he’s coming into Melville’s elections not looking to blame anyone for anything, but says there’s a perception the council has lost some of the community’s confidence and trust.

“A lot of it is about getting your head around what is going on in the council, and where the truth really is,” Mr Watters told the Herald.

He says having lived in Cunderdin and Northam with his wife Anna for 10 years after graduating from university, he has a strong understanding of the importance of community, and says that’s motivated his run.

He’s been the chairman of Melville’s Little Athletics Centre for the past three seasons, and says his own kids are now teens and that’s freed up time he’d like to devote to being on the council (he did check with them first, though).

• John Watters and his family. Photo supplied

“I have a fundamental belief that Melville needs to be as inclusive as possible, catering for the current and future needs of all residents.

“This notion crosses over into all areas of everyday living, but particularly those related to community access to facilities and recreation spaces.”

Mr Watters says he’s a bit of a political animal, following local, state and federal matters closely, but isn’t aligned to any party.

“I am really big on this, that I don’t believe politics belong in local government.”

Mr Watters says issues around infill have been regular topics while doorknocking around the Bicton/Attadale/Alfred Cove ward, and his views might not be welcomed by some of the staunchest critics.

He says some of the large blocks in the ward probably could do with some sub-division to help contain Perth’s sprawling development, though he says the issue needs to be looked at from an evidence-based perspective.

by STEVE GRANT