Waitaki District Council
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Jim Hopkins
Independent
| Councillor
Jim Hopkins
Independent
| Councillor
Why I'm standing
I'm running because we're entering a period of major change in local government which will need analytical skills and lateral thinking to navigate. It's an existential challenge with lots of people saying the system's broken. If so, then it must be repaired or replaced and maybe both. Smaller councils like ours are particularly vulnerable, especially with the Local Water Done Well reforms creating major structural changes and ensuring effective operational survival will be a challenge.
About me
I always find this a hard question to answer. Rather than blowing my own trumpet, which is what I feel this involves, I'll let my record speak for itself. I have served on two councils for more than 20 years so I'm experienced, familiar with legislation and understand how the sector works. I believe a councillor's job is to analyse, advocate, innovate, collaborate and challenge. Which is what I've done and will continue to do.
My priorities
- Ensure the survival of the council as an effective and positive local force in a time of change.
- Make affordability the top priority through self-imposed restraint or by dealing with rates caps.
- Engage effectively with the community on the inevitable funding challenges faced and new options.
Current role
Councillor
Residence
South Hill, Oamaru
Age
78
Connect via
Why I'm standing
I'm running because we're entering a period of major change in local government which will need analytical skills and lateral thinking to navigate. It's an existential challenge with lots of people saying the system's broken. If so, then it must be repaired or replaced and maybe both. Smaller councils like ours are particularly vulnerable, especially with the Local Water Done Well reforms creating major structural changes and ensuring effective operational survival will be a challenge.
About me
I always find this a hard question to answer. Rather than blowing my own trumpet, which is what I feel this involves, I'll let my record speak for itself. I have served on two councils for more than 20 years so I'm experienced, familiar with legislation and understand how the sector works. I believe a councillor's job is to analyse, advocate, innovate, collaborate and challenge. Which is what I've done and will continue to do.
My priorities
- Ensure the survival of the council as an effective and positive local force in a time of change.
- Make affordability the top priority through self-imposed restraint or by dealing with rates caps.
- Engage effectively with the community on the inevitable funding challenges faced and new options.
Current role
Councillor
Residence
South Hill, Oamaru
Age
78
Connect via
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