Awaiting response

Hi John,

Thanks for your question, 

My special edge is my ability to apply sociological and economic solutions to the problems of this District. I realise that it\'s not actually possible to solve all the problems of this District with only economic solutions. For example I can potentially save the Ratepayers of this District about $500,000.00 by personally working with the people who commit vandalism offences because I believe they are motivated by some kind of personal disadvantage. I intend to help them to address their issues, so they can change their circumstances, their thinking and their behaviour. To increase the population and economic growth of this District I\'m prepared to tackle the structural problems of this District by seeking investors to convert the airport into an International Airport and to seek investors/funding to progress WITT\'s transition to becoming a university. I intend to progress the paradigm shift necessary to reduce costs to Ratepayer\'s by reducing the use of roads and therefore the cost of roading, by rewarding people who don\'t own cars, who use public transport, who car pool and those who use active modes of transport.

I have an inclusive style of governance, so I will encourage people to participate in the democratic decision making process. To address the inadequacies of Central Government funding, I will encourage the residents to actively lobby Central Government to adequately fund state highway improvements and the health, education, and welfare needs of this District. I will encourage the Councillors to take ownership of the agenda and to drive the development of this District. I have the knowledge and the skills to guide the Council to make decisions that will effectively improve the outcomes for residents directly effected by problems such as unsustainable rates, business downturn, low incomes, unemployment, problem gambling, problem drinking and violence.

 What I\'m not prepared to do is accept the present barriers to progress as the reasons for not making changes. I\'m really good at developing positive professional rapport with key people and networks to access resources for individuals and communities. I hope I have your support. Please feel welcome to give me feedback on my response to your question.

My 'edge' over other candidates is that I have studied sciences and technology (chemistry, engineering, electronics and many others.) to a high level, and have studied the financial system and economics to a high level, and have written books about them, which, as far as I know, no other candidate has done. As mayor I would not be bamboozled by technical or financial reports and would quickly get the crux of any issue.

My leadership would be on the basis of informed discussion of correct facts (how can you make an appropriate decision if you don't have the correct facts?) If the correct facts are not available I would do what it takes ot obtain them  -but not by employing out-of-town consultants (unless absolutely unavoidable). My experience (and that of many people I have spoke wioth) is that ther is a great deal of expertise in the Taranaki district whoich is not being lsitened to by the current council. (I taught Englisj ot Asian students and listening is a key skill.)

My background and thinking are very much oriented to precision and careful use of resources to obtain the best result. For instance, I play bridge, which is a partnership game that requires good communication between partners and careful planning of the play of the cards to get good scores. I use to play chess (but have not done much recently) and that is all about understanding the value of pieces and using them in concert accoring to some plan or strategy to achieve the required result. I have personally carried out design and construction relating to numerous projects. I beloive I have a unique mix of practical and theoretical knowledge no other candidate has, and my managerial and tutorial excperience would enable me to guide those less informed than me in the right direction