Jason Keller joins Port Hedland council after a landslide victory in the special election

A focus on crime and housing are on the agenda for the new face on the Port Hedland council, after Jason Keller took out the special election by more than 160 votes. Six candidates put up their hand for the election on May 20 to fill the seat left vacant by Warren McDonogh, who resigned in February. The special election had 1719 residents participate with Mr Keller taking out first place on 524, followed by former councillor and last years mayoral candidate Gloria Jacob on 363. They were followed by Lorraine Buston with 262 votes and TK Rivera who received 219 votes, While Jillian Fisher had 174 votes and former councillor George Deccache (151). Mr Keller moved to the town with his family from Sydney three years ago after spending the previous 13 years working FIFO. Speaking to the North West Telegraph Mr Keller said he was surprised to win by such a wide margin. “I wasn’t sure at first, obviously first time running, but off the count it looks was pretty good,” he said. “I just want to make the Town what it can be. I think it’s got a lot to offer,” he said. “I’ve moved my family here from Sydney three years ago. We love the town and we just want to make it what it can be.” The crime and rent crisis crippling the town is front of mind for the councillor elect. “It’s driving people out of town, it has for a long time,” he said. “One person can’t make the change but hopefully with a new voice we can get some sort of roll on, see what we can do and try get people back into town.” Mr Keller will be joined on council by Mayor Peter Carter, Tim Turner, Laveni Bennett, Jan Gillingham, David Eckhart, Ash Christensen, Elmar Zielke and Renae Coles with the next meeting on May 25.