My Account
I have been CEO of various Councils for more than 18 years. The last 12 years, my wife and I were involved in businesses – some within the hospitality industry and the latter in property management. We moved to the North Shore 16 years ago and within our business we liaised with many people who are not happy with the way Council is operating. My view is that with many years of CEO experience I will be able to make a difference. As a businessman, my view is that it takes hard work to earn a dollar and spending it should be harder.
What are the three crucial issues facing the Hibiscus Coast?
Rates and taxes are matters of concern as spending is spiraling out of control, luxuries such as business class flying for staff, water care rates and a gym for the Mayor in the office are good examples.
Roads, walkways and protection of reserves are matters that need attention. Developers need to be accountable to provide a full package when it comes to infrastructure – in other words they need to pay for it.
Public Transport needs urgent attention. The rates should be attractive to get people to use them and, simultaneously, the service must be reliable and more frequent.
How would you address these issues?
Make sure that I am present at all forums when these matters are discussed. Submit motions to the Council to address these matters. Draft new policy documents with less delegated authority to management expenses.
How can Council improve its performance?
A performance management plan should be adopted to be measured against the goals and budget. The plan should also be audited and all management positions should have a basic salary with commission to be added on performances. At present, most of the managers get a six figure salary with no performance-based system.
What would you hope to deliver in the next three years?
If elected. I would endeavour to keep rates below inflation with efforts to save on expenses, ensure that spending is more responsible and the power of certain positions, such as the Mayor, are reduced. Furthermore, Council Controlled Organisation (CCOs) systems need to be streamlined as it appears that there is no accountability.
