No issues on file for Ted Armstrong.
No issues on file for Janet Black.
No issues on file for Christine (Arihia) Brears.
- Improving the health of our community by working harder on the prevention of illness and injury.
- Consultation and collaboration with individuals and groups within the community to identify opportunities to improve the way Hamilton City Council and the Waikato DHB operate.
- Maintaining rate increases at or below the CPI.
- Transparent decision-making by our elected officials.
- Focusing on solutions that improve the future of our city and region, rather than simply treating the problems that arise today.
No issues on file for Gordon Chesterman.
No issues on file for Sally Christie.
No issues on file for Johnny Dryden.
- I strongly support community focused health care, believing that affordable provision of services must be available within communities to enable people to maintain healthy and active lives.
- Keep rates affordable - exercising financial constraint as well as utilising resources to maximum potential.
- Cambridge Swimming Pool - without losing sight of the project we must revisit it, cut the cloth to suit to make sure we deliver an outcome that meets the majority of the community's needs.
- Expressway - this is the catalyst to address a number of issues in the town but particularly we need to make sure there is an attractive off-ramp to Cambridge, that bordering residential areas are well screened for both noise and glare, and that a proactive plan is put in place to promote Cambridge as a shopping destination and comfortable place for overnight accommodation and eateries.
- Future development - the new 10 year district plan should promote development for business, light industry and residential that brings continuing opportunities for economic growth and sustainability.
- Continue to vigorously advocate for Hamilton. My experience in business,education,local and central government has given me the experience and skills to be a strong voice for our Hamilton.
- Getting the financials right.
It appears that the city has accumulated significant and concerning debt over the last eight years.Much of this is due to the expansion of Hamilton.It is however, ratepayers who will ultimately foot the bill in these tough economic times if and when the Development Fund fails to sustain the debt.At the same time we need to invest in critical infrastructure.Hamilton needs councillors who have both the vision and experience to take the city forward. - Look critically at Hamilton's long term planning,including traffic congestion,transport and rail.
Hamilton has the potential to be the major transport hub for the central North Island which will encourage economic growth and jobs for our residents. - Revitalisation of the city centre and river access.
The CBD needs to be revitalised through innovative strategies rather than expensive redevelopment. For example, parking iniatives to make our CBD shopper friendly.
Improved river access from the CBD should be a top priority. - A more balanced city growth strategy is crucial to the City's future. Immediate attention must be payed to the proposed southern growth cell in the area of Peacockes Rd.This will help revitalise our CBD precinct while also restimulating growth in the Meville,Glenview and Airport areas.
No issues on file for Jack Gielen.
No issues on file for Steve Harvey.
No issues on file for Jack Havill.
No issues on file for Roger Hennebry.
No issues on file for Celia Hotene.
No issues on file for Robyn Klos.
- Improving, protecting and valuing water quality is essential. Water is non-renewable and essential for sustaining life. It is a taonga.
We must introduce methods to reduce contaminants entering our waterways.
Grey water need not directly enter sewerage systems for chemical treatment.
Technology is available to process raw effluent from dairy farms to avoid spraying raw effluent on to the soil. Soil and wetland plantings are our water's filtration system and must be better cared for. - Funding available for front-line services and health care initiatives that address chronic conditions within the community setting, reducing the need for hospital admissions. We need to do more to support and keep people in their own homes and community, which is both cost-effective and important for continuing quality of life.
- Renewable energy projects must be supported, especially solar initiatives. Such initiatives can contribute to meeting our increasing energy demands. Clean energy initiative provide more efficient use of our natural resources, reducing our carbon footprint and protecting air quality. Every household could have a solar water heating unit installed.
- Development of a common shared information system that better links, coordinates and integrates health services and appointments, reducing "no shows" and associated costs. It could also be used to better understand the population's health needs and trends and confirm the efficacy or otherwise of different treatments.
- Economic prosperity across the region can be realised as we improve transportation throughout the region. The Waikato region, central to both the ports of Auckland and Tauranga, has a reputation for innovation, entrepreneurship, research, education and attracting investment, and employment. Ease of access and improving transport options that include rail to encourage more commuters and visitors to our region as well as assisting rural folk access Waikato hospital services, must be advanced by way of the preparation of a comprehensive business plan for a truly integrated and seamless transport system. As the global economy recovers, you can be sure the price of petrol will double again; so we must act now to ensure cost effective transport options are available for our community.
I endorse the 100% Pure brand as it provides an excellent platform to expand on international business opportunities and protect our environment for future generations. Economic benefits can be secured without compromising environmental values.
No issues on file for Carole Linehan.
No issues on file for Weo Maag.
No issues on file for Dave MacPherson.
No issues on file for Pippa Mahood.
No issues on file for Paul Malpass.
- The Public and Health Sevice Users: It is your money which runs the Waikato District Health Board. This money needs to be spent wisely and not wasted. As users of the health system in the Waikato you should expect and be given world class services.
- Staff: If you are a staff member in the public or private sector funded by the Waikato District Health Board you should expect a culture of decency and honesty and where a great deal of decision making is delegated downward.
- Business: Waikato District Health Board needs to be run in a business like manner as it is using taxpayer money but it needs to be a business which has a social conscience, as it is dealing with some of the most vulnerable members of our society.
- Innovation: Waikato District Health Board needs to be leading the way in innovation. There is no reason why it can't be a world leader in providing new services. This can be done within its existing budget.
- Governance: Waikato District Health Board needs good and responsible governance. To do this, it needs people on its board, who represent YOU, who are passionate about health and who have a proven track record within healthcare. It needs board members who can achieve MORE for the people of the Waikato.
No issues on file for Jim Mylchreest.
No issues on file for Daniel Rei Nin.
No issues on file for Joe Scaramuzza.
No issues on file for Murray Seamark.
No issues on file for Marion Smith.
No issues on file for Metua Tangaroa-Daniel-Malietoa.
No issues on file for Suresh Vatayayann.
No issues on file for Clyde Wade.
No issues on file for Dale Williams.
- I have seven key issues which I believe need to be addressed in a holistic manner.
• Debt and Rates
• Hamilton city faces some very important decisions over our spiraling level of debt. Our debt by 2011 will be over $420 million, or approximately $3000 per man, woman and child in the city of Hamilton. The debt is projected to grow to nearly $700 million or $5000.00 per man, woman and child by 2019. Debt is not necessarily a bad thing; the whole concept of intergenerational debt is sound. Why should rate payers today pay the entire figure for an asset that will last 25 years. The issue is what are the absolutely must do projects, such as necessary infrastructure, versus the nice to have projects (another stadium). If elected , I will take a firm line in ensuring that council focuses more on the must do projects, rather than the nice to have projects, as I recognize current rate payers are paying an unfair burden for too many nice to have projects.
I believe we need to limit rate increases to inflation and proactively undertake a more active debt repayment strategy. - • Transparency
I am concerned that the final decision process of who is awarded lucrative city contracts is not transparent and needs to be reviewed. Decisions are currently made by a selected few counselors. I would support, if elected a policy change where these critical financial decisions are made at the committee level and referred to the full council for ratification. Thus, in my opinion enabling all businesses interested in doing business with council to be treated in a more transparent manner and ensuring a level playing field. I feel strongly that we should support our local businesses and allocate contract to them where possible.
I am not afraid to ask the questions that need to be asked - • Traffic congestion:
Traffic congestion is still a major issue for the city of Hamilton. Commuting times are getting longer due to increased population and poor and shortsighted city planning. Current council is trying to take steps to rectify this issue. If elected I would support a more proactive strategy to ensure better flow of traffic. - • Revitalization of CBD
I’m concerned that the Central Business District of Hamilton, despite the expensive refurbishment of Victoria and Hood St, is no longer a vital and energetic business and commerce area.
Hamilton is the only major city in New Zealand that is not on the sea and it has turned its back on its major feature, the Waikato River. Rather than spend $3.7 million on redeveloping Garden Place again I believe we need to open and integrate access to the river with Victoria St.
Parking in the CBD is a growing problem which is affecting the attraction of the CBD to our community. I would support immediate introduction of real time parking availability signage in the CBD. I support a more imaginative pricing strategy which would remove some of the constraints of parking in the CBD .
I would encourage a review of liquor licensing and its impact on the community - • Train Service to Auckland
I choose to live in the city of Hamilton but have been lucky enough to have travelled the world. I am astonished at the poor use of the rail assets we have in this country. If I was elected I would be a strong supporter of facilitating a commuter rail link between the city of Hamilton and Auckland. I think it would have a dramatic impact on traffic flow in and out of the city. More importantly, it would provide an easy and affordable rail link for Aucklanders to visit and attend major events in Hamilton. The broader economic benefits of such a link to Hamilton would be significant.
