I am a 48-year-old I.T. professional, married with a ten-year-old son. My family and I live, shop & play in the Selwyn Central Ward. Saturday mornings I can be found on the side-lines assisting our son’s sport teams.

I am honest, plain speaking, intelligent and independent, with no political party affiliation, no hidden agendas and no predetermined positions on issues.

With nine years community board experience, from 2001, many years serving on a residents association and on a reserve committee, I have the knowledge, skill and talent to immediately be an effective Councillor for you.

I know how much time and commitment it takes to be your Councillor and promise that representing you will be my priority.

I have the experience, enthusiasm, and a fresh point of view to bring to Council to represent you.

Phone 347 6393 – Mobile 027 221 7348

Vote for your best choice - Mark Alexander.

Top 5 Issues

1. Communication
   
   The Selwyn District Council can and should continue to improve its communication with its residents.
   
   Consultation includes presenting the issues and being willing to listen to the community's response.
   
   The Council must not be afraid of the community's response and be willing to accept that the community may have a differenct view or different prorities on an issue.
   
   At the same time Council cannot let a vocal minority dominate the debate on a issue.
2. Planning
   
   The outcomes of growth in our ward and district must benefit both existing and new residents.
   
   The Council must ensure its District Plan produces fair and beneficial results for existing and new residents.
   
   
3. Rates
   
   The Selwyn District has a moderate level of rates compared to other councils.
   
   The Council must continue to balance the need for facilaties and services with the need to keep rates affordable.
   
   The Council must contine to get the best returns from its investment portfolio to help keep rates as low as possible.
   
   The Council must resist central government efforts to give functions to the council without providing the funding..
4. No merger with Christchurch City
   
   There should not be a "Super City" in Canterbury. There should be no merger of Christchurch CIty, Environment Canterbury, Selwyn DIstrict and Waimakariri District Councils.
   
   Some people are suggesting that the merger of Auckland's councils is a blueprint for council amalgamations throughout New Zealand.
   
   I would be opposed to any proposal to merge the Selwyn District with the Christchurch City unless there are clear benefits for the residents in the Selwyn District.
   
   People have come to Selwyn to live and have not chosen to live in Christchurch City.
   
   Any merger of councils must be at the request of - and benefit - for residents not imposed on them.

Personal Profile

I have the time, talent, experience and enthusiasm to be an effective Councillor representing the residents of the Selwyn Central Ward.

My family & I have lived in the Selwyn Central Ward for 15 years. I have been involved with community groups in the area since we arrived.

As a member of the Selwyn Central Community Board I have represented the Board at the West Melton & Districts Residents Association, Rolleston Reserve Management Committee, Te Puna Wai o Tuhinapo Community Liaison Committee. I have attended meetings of the Rolleston Residents Association, Weedons Reserve & Weedons Residents Associations. Attending these meetings has given me a broad knowledge and understanding of the issues that are important to our communities.

As a Community Board member, I have received and read the many reports that are presented to council. I am able to identify the key points in these reports and seek the answers to the questions and issues in these reports. I have time and energy for this important part of a councillor's role.  As a Community Board member I have been available to get the answers to residents' questions and know who to ask to get the necessary information. I will bring this experience to my role as your councillor.

I have a special interest in planning issues affecting our communities. I have written many planning submissions presenting our community's concerns to planning hearings. This experience will be very important when I am your councillor as I know what it is like to read planning documentation, write submissions and present those submissions at a planning hearing.

I know the frustrations that you may feel in communicating with council and staff. I will be available to listen to your story and stand beside you as you work through your issues. I can't promise that you will always get the solution you seek, but I do promise to support you through the journey.

I am a member of the Project Working Groups that have overseen the development Brookside Park and the Dog Exercise Area in Rolleston.  I am pleased that I have contributed to the development of these facilities for our community.

Like many other parents, I take an active interest in my son's sports teams and have been assistant coach, team manager, cricket scorer and assistant referee for his teams.

Providing facilities for our children and youth is important.  Our young people need to know that they have their place inn our communities. Sports facilities, community parks etc, give our youth somewhere that they can feel that they belong.

I have an interest in motorcylce road racing. I am a life member of Motorcycling Canterbury and recipient of  Motorcycling New Zealand "Volunteer of the Year" in 2009. 

I am passionate about the people and communities of the Selwyn Central Ward and the Selwyn District. I have the ability, time, skills, knowledge and  passion to represent the Selwyn Central Ward.