I have a firm belief that you cannot be a good and effective representative unless you are active and involved in your community. How can I say I am the people’s representative if I don't know what the issues are?

Like many local residents I love where I live and I’m proud to say I live in Hutt City. However there is more we can do to make our area a more vibrant and exciting place to live.

Putting the brakes on infrastructure projects in order to keep rates down is not how I want to move forward. Eventually residents start to suffer and now people’s lives and  properties are at risk through lack of preparedness for natural disasters.

Projects that would improve the lifestyle and recreation of local residents have also been put on hold for too long and I aim to see these come to fruition and I believe it can be done and still keep rates low.  

To me a vibrant city has good governance, good urban planning, good transport, environmental sustainability and focus on the wellbeing of our citizens. A safe city where residents can walk the streets at any time. A city that offers jobs for those who want them and businesses who support the community in which they operate. The opportunity for recreational pursuits and artistic endeavour.  This is my vision for a Vibrant Hutt City. 

If you want to live in a city where you feel safe, where your environment provides inspiration, relaxation, recreation and innovation then vote Ray Wallace for Mayor.

If you want transparent inclusive leadership that consults, listens and acts on your concerns then vote Ray Wallace for Mayor.

 

If you want a mayor who is not afraid to muck in to get things done,  then vote for me, I'm your man.

 

Learn more about my campaign at www.RayWallace.co.nz

Top 5 Issues

1. Flood Protection and Civil Defence Preparedness.
   
   I am passionate about seeing the completion of important flood protection projects in Wainuiomata, Waiwhetu, Seaview and other areas around the city. Under the present regime the flood protection work may be deferred as far away as 2015. This work needs to be started immediately!
   
   Also a review of the current Civil Defence procedures and plans is absolutely essential. Being well prepared will minimise casualties and the risk to life and Council has a leadership role to play in this.
   
   
2. Safe City
   
   I want to see a community patrol in every suburb in Lower Hutt. I will actively encourage people to volunteer to be part of the safe city network including seeing the establishment of more neighbourhood support programmes and zero tolerance for graffiti. I will be lobbying government for more police on the street, as having a higher police presence makes everybody feel safer. That will only come when the police have the resources to put into community policing.
   
   
3. Regional Council Collaboration
   
   Whilst wishing to work closely with other councils in the region to learn, share and collaborate especially on regional projects. I endorse the status quo of individual city councils but with greater cooperation between them.
4. Enlivening our City
   
   It is time to breathe life back into Hutt City. We will revitalise the inner city, get started on the the long awaited Riverbank Project and other "Making Places" plans. these have been stalled for long enough. We will finish the cycleway and initiate festivals and events and encourage business growth in our communities. These will enrich our lives and provide employment. We need to encourage people to shop locally and attract visitors from outside the region to bring money into our community.
   
   I believe we will achieve this by extending the long-term financial strategy by just a few years which will keep rates at a reasonable level.
   
   It is time for a positive change!
5. Health and Wellbeing
   
   The health and wellbeing of our people in the Hutt Valley is a priority. The Council has a major role to play in the development of health services to ensure that Hutt City residents get the service they deserve.
   
   Youth health, improved care for the elderly,
   alcohol and drug abuse, mental health issues lack of employment opportunities, problem gambling are all my key areas of focus .
   
   Warm housing is also a key issue for the Hutt City Council to embrace. With warm homes people stay well.
   
   I DO NOT SUPPORT WATER METERS. Misleading information on this issues has been circulating
   
   see more detail here
   
   http://issues.co.nz/raywallace/Facing+the+Issues

Personal Profile

Ray Wallace has dedicated his life to public service and working for our community.

He is 48 years of age and lives in Wainuiomata with his partner Linda.

• First elected to Council in 1995

• Deputy Mayor 2001 – 2004

Positions held

*Chair of Operations and Compliance

 Chair of Community Grants

 Chair of Community Services Committee

 Chair Heritage Advisory Committee

Committee Memberships since on council

*Finance & Audit Committee

 Policy and Finance Committee

 Hearing Committee

 Community Grants Committee

*Operations & Compliance Committee

*Civic Honours Committee

*Governance Committee

*Joint Services Committee

*Certified RMA holder

*Council Director on Capacity Water Services Ltd

*Chair of Keep Hutt City Beautiful

Chair of a budget service

Chair of community trust  

chair of community centre

Secretary of a foodbank

co-ordinator of youth awards.  

organiser foodbank appeals  

organiser of appeal for the Volunteer Fire Brigade which raised $12,000.00 in one day.

organiser of the Wainuiomata Skateboard Park project

*denotes current positions held during this triennium