COUNCILLOR James Graham was elected to Derwent Valley Council by recount late last year and is hoping to be returned for a full term in next month’s council elections. Cr Graham has provided the following statement for publication.
“For a point of difference in this next local government election please take time to consider this fact. I’m prepared to take up the challenge to serve this community for next four years whichever way the wind blows.
“The statement here is in no way meant to be a pushback on common sense, “integrity, compassion and local interest at heart,” ethics, communication or the need for pragmatism (dealing with things based on practical approach). I acknowledge the fact that there does need to be a firm discussion about council’s core purpose and business.
“I will endeavor to give the best of my ability and energy to demonstrate and mentor what is already part of my being. Quality service, listening to and respecting others, grow through learning and a duty of care for myself and the folk in our community when identifying foreseeable harm.
“By just being there for you for the next four years encouraging and empowering ratepayers to explore the stuff they can do as part of their own role in local government. If we are looking for integrity around waste, we can demonstrate it by doing the right thing by being accountable and objective (influenced by personal feelings or opinions) in considering the big-ticket item WASTE.
‘Common sense looks like these realistic rates adjustments to meet our needs and asset management maintenance/renewal works developing/managing top priority and value for money. Emergency management of weather events, mitigation, adaptability, resilience and the capacity to deliver with integrity and up-to-date methods of communication.”
NOTE TO READERS: Readers’ comments on the council elections are welcome. For publication, all comments must include the name and locality of the writer, for example “Damian Bester, New Norfolk.”
FROM THE EDITOR: All candidates for election to the Derwent Valley or Central Highlands councils are invited to submit statements for publication on this website as well as in the print edition of New Norfolk and Derwent Valley News. Contact the editor for details.
