Mather outlines struggles as At-Large Rep
First-term lawmaker Stacy Mather recently shared some of the challenges he faces as a Territorial At-Large Representative.
Appearing on the Talking Points show, Mather discussed the difficulties in balancing the wider community’s needs while navigating limited resources, particularly as an Opposition member.
Mather, who received the most votes in the last election, highlighted the emotional high he experienced during his swearing-in ceremony. “I still think about the trust my people put in me,” he recalled, reflecting on the significance of being one of the few individuals elected to represent thousands of voters.
However, the At-Large Representative admitted that there have also been notable challenges. One of his main frustrations stems from a disconnect between the government’s efforts and the public’s perception of what is happening within the House of Assembly.
“When you meet the average person on the street, they’re unaware of what we’re doing,” Mather explained. He pointed out that despite the government’s ongoing discussions, many people focus more on their day-to-day concerns.
Mather also highlighted the stark difference in resources allocated to At-Large Representatives versus District Representatives. He revealed that while district representatives receive $200,000 annually for civil works, At-Large Representatives were recently allocated only $10,000. “That shows a disparity in how things are done for us as At-Large Reps,” Mather said.
The challenges of representing the entire territory are compounded by the fact that At-Large Representatives must address concerns across all nine districts. Mather admitted that while he strives to engage with the community, there are times when he feels he could do more. He emphasised that maintaining communication with constituents is critical but recognised that balancing the needs of so many individuals can be difficult.
Despite these obstacles, Mather expressed a strong desire to continue his role as an advocate for the people. He shared that he regularly seeks additional training and education to better serve his community, even participating in online courses through the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.
Looking ahead, Mather expressed his desire for changes to the current political system. He advocated for greater representation across the territory and called for more At-Large Representatives in the House of Assembly. “I would like to see positions in government being campaigned for, even the Speaker of the House,” Mather said. Mather argued that residents should have a stronger voice in determining their leadership.
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Ok so what have you done for us lately? I hear the same music all the time. Go in find fault complain and come back out worst than you were. One thing politics will be just be polilicks.
many people focus more on their day-to-day concerns.
If only the big shot politicians would do this they will understand they can do more good withholding the parties and spending on the people day to day concerns and we wont have them repeated day after day. They built a buss stop and tell the people stop catching rides.
Boy they are lost.
100% agree. I think he’s one of the few that has his heart in the right place.
I respect him for trying to fight against the ‘machine’. Lord alone knows, I wouldn’t have the strength or fortitude to do it!
$10k for the entire territory??
Reduce the number of elected politicians down to 5 or 7 at large seats in the HOA. Abolish all 9 district seats in the HOA. The district reps are usually the most corrupt anyway, e.g. 1st district.
…Mr. Mather, that you struggle, period.
@:
I get the impression
Failed attempt at being funny and sarcastic. The man is honest and I sense that is what you fear most in him. If you feel you can do better why don’t you use your real name and also run at-large?
Thought so.
When the white envelopes are seen being filled it jolts one into a diferent thinking, unfortnately.
Today, it is believed that every single hu-man in that government s corrupt and filling of pockets candidates.
Do you have a reading problem ❓️ WHAT CAN HE DO WITH $10.000 IN COMPARISON TO $ 200.000 / PLEASE GO BACK IN YOUR CAVE) ONE FREE JAM ALONE GETTING HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLAR
is saying )>ya’ll ain’t being to understand it’s pocket change they throwing at me , what can I do with ($ 10.000 ) ? per year and our premier throwing hundreds of thousands for one night into a music fest , and inviting us to come out and watch him do this thing , are we really serious ? ? ?
How much is he paid to manage $10.000 per year? Government is a joke. $2M should be the very least annually with proper accounting showing how the money is spent.