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)
I am a member of the Liberal Party.
What is the most important issue facing your electorate?
Similarly to other electorates, in the LGA of Brimbank, the Cost of Living crisis is having a domino effect on the people. If elected to council, I will always stand against raterises, and where possible, I will advocate for rate reductions. As a working class battler myself, I understand the struggles that come with the Cost of Living, and if elected, I will always stand against rate rises, as I want to see better for the Community.
Should/how can Council support local businesses?
Councils should support local business through promotions, encouraging residents to buy from local businesses, and procuring exclusively from local businesses.
Should/how can Council support local creatives and industries?
Councils should invest in local artists and commission local works.
Should/how can Council help alleviate the impact of climate extremes on local communities and ecosystems?
This is an issue for State and Federal Government, and I don’t believe that Councils should be spending ratepayers’ money on mitigating Climate Change without the approval of the ratepayer.
Should/how can Council help alleviate cost of living and homelessness?
To alleviate the cost of living, I believe that councils should freeze rate rises. I understand that rates are vital for funding Local Government services, however, instead of raising rates, I believe that Councils need to spend that ratepayer’s money more responsibly, cut back on services which aren’t benefiting their Community or which the Community are not interested in. To help address homelessness, I believe that Councils should work more collaboratively with the State Government, and Non-for-Profit Housing organisations, to work together towards addressing homelessness in a more effective manner.
What should Council stop spending money on?
Councils should stop spending money on Federal issues and high salaries operationally.
Should the public be allowed to ask live, unscripted questions of councillors during council meetings?
Absolutely I believe that the public should be allowed to ask Councillors questions. Ratepayers are funding Councillors to deliver services to the Community, and I believe that as part of a healthy Democracy, the ratepayer should have greater involvement in policy making decisions, and this includes raising questions and giving constructive feedback to the Councillors representing them.
Can you please provide a short personal statement detailing what your priorities are if elected, and what your vision for your electorate looks like.
I am running for Brimbank Council, Mount Derrimut Ward, which covers my home residence of Deer Park. I have lived in Deer Park for over 31 years, I take pride in my Community and I would like to see better for my Community. I will always stand against Rate Rises, and I will advocate for Rate Reductions when possible. I will advocate for upgraded parks, graffiti removal and greater beautification of the nature of my Community. I will advocate for improved Community Safety, including improved street lighting and CCTV, and I will work collaboratively with our local police, and do everything in my power at a Local Government level to reduce crime. I will ensure the upgrades and repairs of local roads and footpaths, and I will prioritise the 3 R’s of Council: Rates, Roads and Rubbish.
