Are you a member of a political party, political group, or community advocacy group? (eg; Labor, Liberal, Greens, Socialist, My Place, Angry Victorians, Better West, environment groups, etc)
No, never, I believe that independent councillors get much better community results.
What is the most important issue facing your electorate?
Folks in the flood zone want the State Government to provide better direction re preventing another flood and mitigation. Broadly speaking, our cost of living has gone up and our quality of life has gone down under this Government.
Should/how can Council support local businesses?
Make getting permits easier and encourage business to start up in Maribyrnong, We can rebate the land rates for a few months for smaller start ups and help with compliance and marketing.
Should/how can Council support local creatives and industries?
I would like to see the council facilitate workshops and programs with students being mentored by local artists and performers.
Should/how can Council help alleviate the impact of climate extremes on local communities and ecosystems?
I feel focused long and short term planning decisions & good design will make a difference.
Should/how can Council help alleviate cost of living and homelessness?
Very difficult to have much influence on housing here, The ALP had the opportunity to build public housing as a safety net for those priced out of the rental market, but chose not to.
What should Council stop spending money on?
There is nothing obvious at the moment.
Should the public be allowed to ask live, unscripted questions of councillors during council meetings?
Yes, but I feel you would get a better outcome if the question was submitted before the meeting so you would have a better chance of getting an answer at the meeting, instead of waiting a month for the next Ordinary meeting.
Can you please provide a short personal statement detailing what your priorities are if elected, and what your vision for your electorate looks like.
Common Sense council – Focus on what we can do and don’t get distracted. I was a councillor from 2012 to 2016 and have been running a small business for 21 yrs. My strength is getting things done. Dale stables, Coulson Gardens, Scovell Reserve and the take over of Pipemakers Park show what is achievable when you have focus and teamwork. Good council functions best with civil conversation and compromise.
- I will work to get Pipemakers park fully restored and fully functioning in our 4 yr council term.
- Safer cycling linking the river trails on Maribyrnong and Braybrook and on to Brimbank Park on ” our side ” of the river.
- Start the conversation around proportional spending in the wards from land rates paid in the wards.
