BELLARINE VOTES
I decided to run because, in recent years, I have seen an ever-increasing need to have a citizen’s voice in the Council Chamber.
I have witnessed the Bellarine growing from a quiet rural existence to a larger, more important and diverse part of the City of Greater Geelong, and I am concerned about how those changes have affected, and will continue to affect, our quality of life in the Bellarine.
One of my concerns, which has arisen as a result of years of unprecedented growth, combined with the current economic downturn, is the strain on the City’s finances.
I believes that this, together with the effects of rate capping, may jeopardise the level of services to which residents have become accustomed requiring the council to balance the needs of the community with the current and future fiscal situation.
I contend that residents have a collective desire to maintain the Bellarine’s intrinsic appeal and that, while there is a realistic need for responsible growth, there is a way to maintain a balance of development without jeopardising its image as a welcoming and relaxed community.
I do believe that in regard to recent divisive issues, what has been lacking is open and effective communication between elected officials and those on opposing sides of these issues.
I promise to bring an open mind and a receptive ear to the challenges that confront the Bellarine, but in the end, we must always place what is in the best interest of our Ward first.
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