Throw enough mud and some might stick. But Maitland’s a plucky city built on flood mud.
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So it matters little what someone from Cessnock reckons.
In case you missed the story, here’s the synopsis.
Cessnock councillor James Ryan took aim at Maitland for its urban sprawl, love affair with shopping and dependence on cars.
The mayor of Maitland, Cr Peter Blackmore, came out swinging in defence of his city.
Cr Ryan, in The Greens’ trunks, buckled under.
“It’s just another negative comment from James Ryan,” Cr Blackmore retorted.
“Stick to your side of the fence, James, that’s where you were elected.”
The issue has simmered away for more than a week. Some residents took the jibes to heart.
A group of Maitland runners even posed for a selfie near the Belmore Bridge after a morning jog to share their smiling faces in defiance.
“Just want to show not everyone thinks Maitland is a sad place,” Sebastian Hoffman said.
So, the Mercury decided to get some independent figures to point to which is the more desirable city.
And we’re proud to announce, on numbers alone, Maitland can stand tall.
Figures from www.nationmaster. com – they deal in these things – demonstrate to anyone in the real estate market that Maitland’s a safe bet.
More people walk to work here and volunteer, which are both indicators of health and happiness.
As neighbouring towns, there are bound to be similarities. We might even have more in common than a passion for rugby league too.
Both cities rank a healthy seven from 10 for lifestyle based on access to cafes, restaurants, gyms and pools.
Now, perhaps it’s time to let bygones be bygones. They’re both good spots, so all is forgiven.
