The Examiner asked each candidate running in the George Town Council election to supply a statement about themselves.
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There are also more than double the number of candidates for councillor positions, with 20 people nominating and only nine council positions.
Bridget Archer
I was first elected in 2009 as a councillor and have served as deputy mayor and now mayor. I feel strongly that local government should reflect the diversity that exists in the community and provide a voice for everybody.
In my time as mayor, the council has delivered some great outcomes to improve infrastructure, and services: major road projects, redeveloped play/recreation spaces, improved accessibility with new toilet facilities and East Beach access and we have seen growth in investment and development in our municipal area to name a few.
Christopher Ashley
After living in and visiting many places worldwide I genuinely believe the George Town Municipality is one of the nicest and friendliest places in which to live and bring up families. I am a member of several local clubs and two years ago I was elected on a count back to the George Town Municipal Council.
Challenges for the next term I believe are to consolidate finances, repair latent defects, consolidate public amenities and assist our youth in achieving their full potential.
Ben Barber
I believe the biggest issue we currently face is the impact of social engineering and the negative impact it has on the socio-economic status of vulnerable people. Our municipality needs help to be heard.
I am a 30-year-old electrician, I bring with me a holistic approach to the council and government and believe all parties have valuable ideas to share.
I am a colourful and likeable character, who enjoys music as a way of sharing the messages of life.
Chris Barraclough
I am running for the position of councillor because I believe George Town needs to start going somewhere. It is a beautiful area, but nothing is getting done. Before signing up as candidate, I played the bagpipes in the Launceston City Band.
Heather Barwick
Please support me in my bid for councillor and deputy mayor. I have honesty, proven experience, integrity, and commitment. I am a dedicated worker for the community with an excellent track record.
I am a team player who is committed to supporting community ideas and consultation. I’m also a good listener with excellent communication skills.
My achievements include successfully applying for state government grants for the skate park, and getting smoke free signs installed at school crossings.
Justine Brooks
The broader George Town region is probably the most underrated, underestimated and misjudged municipal area in Tasmania.
To ensure the population growth is managed in a sustainable manner, by standing for election I am offering my skills, and 10 years local government experience as a tertiary qualified town planner, project manager and business administrator to assist the council navigate through the strategic decisions required and the inevitable development challenges that arise.
Doug Burt
I believe a stable council team, continuing financial responsibility, nurturing a growing sense of pride in community will see our area prosper. We must continue to build upon our stability, ensuring the municipality and all we do in it will be sustainable into the future.
Anne Cameron
I’ve lived and worked in the George Town municipality for many years.
My focus throughout my working life has always been in strengthening community by working with community to support development of meaningful community solutions.
George Town has a dynamic and beautiful environment, and we need economic growth by expanding access to opportunities for education, employment, healthy recreation and age friendly services, we will improve our well-being.
Brent Daire
I became a candidate because I believe in the future of our municipality.
It’s an incredible place to live with incredible people that make it so.
I also believe we’ve been living beneath our privileges. We have all the ingredients in place to unlock an amazing future. We can be a historical tourism destination, an adventure tourism destination, and a local family/beach tourism destination.
We just need the right vision and strategy to bring it to fruition, and a council team that can sell that vision to the world.
Greg Dawson
Please give me your number one vote for councillor and deputy mayor, I am a local man with George Town municipalities residents best interests at heart. I commit to working with your choice of mayor and councillors to make our area a place families, retiree’s and long term residents can be proud of.
Quade Geale
Growing up and living in the area for almost all my life, I’ve seen some wonderful improvements to local area and would like the opportunity to continue this work to improve and make the municipality sustainable to ensure we all can enjoy the now and plan for the future. The municipality has had its ups and downs over the years, but I always reflect on the past to find the good which helps us all to learn and grow together.
I am an experienced manager and team member with honesty and integrity, confidence and courage to highlight, debate and work through the hard issues to represent people of the municipality. As an experienced manager, I have the creative thinking and futuristic vision that will value add all the ideas everyone has today and tomorrow.
Dean Gibbons
I have been a resident of George Town for 33 years working at South32 Temco for 32 years. I am standing for council again, after previously being a councillor from 2011-14. I am very proud and passionate of the whole municipality. I was awarded Citizen of the Year this year for my work in many community areas which include chairman of the Port Dalrymple School Association, volunteer firefighter and cricket club volunteer
I am honest and very approachable and will serve with passion and pride.
John Glisson
I retired from TAFE in 2010 and believing I still have much to offer our community, stood for and was elected to the council in 2014. My role with TAFE was in business development.
Before working at TAFE I was employed at NGT working to create employment through training. At NGT we employed hundreds of trainees and apprentices enabling them to gain qualifications, experience and employment. I was previously a board member at the Launceston TAFE, and NGT.
I strongly support an open council being able to make well informed decision in the best interest of our community.
Tim Harris
I bring an array of experiences through a variety of careers from both here and interstate. Returning home six years ago, being elected to the council four years ago, I have seen some significant changes at the council.
I have enjoyed the responsibility given to me by the electors to help improve the municipalities livability, in doing so I look at each decision in a considered, reasonable and practical way.
Greg Kieser
My name is Greg Kieser and I am a resident of Low Head in George Town municipality. I’ve spent 20 years in leadership roles in blue chip companies and helped start companies like Amazon and Dropbox in ANZ. I currently run a small consulting company.
I am passionate about helping our community build a diversified economy based on the tourism sector that compliments the heavy industrial capacity at Bell Bay that has been the cornerstone of our local economy.
Winston Mason
As someone who has lived in George Town for 60 years, I have seen it go through good times and ordinary times. Right now, I think we could be doing better.
All of our sporting teams are struggling, and if you lose your sport, you lose your town. There is also a lack of employment opportunities within George Town.
If I was elected to the council, I would make sure we promoted ourselves more as a town.
Andrew Michieletto
I was born in the community and have lived here for the majority of my life, raising my family at Pipers River where I still live.
Through my life I have worked in most sectors, including rural, industrial, hospitality and now real estate.
As well as running two businesses in the area, I am also currently the president of the George Town Chamber of Commerce, where I continue to work with local business and industry and can see first hand the challenges that continually face them.
Graeme Neilsen
I am passionate about the George Town municipality, its location, the people and the opportunities. Having had the benefit of extensive travel, my wife Sue and I would not wish to live anywhere else in the world.
Local government is in desperate need of positive reform which the simple action of amalgamation will not correct. Involvement in many community activities has given me an understanding of the aspirations of residents.
Tim Parish
I welcome progress and I am keen to represent our community.
Underpinned by stable rates and improved finances it is now time for the council to concentrate on providing more services to the community.
As an example having listened to your concerns I support the continuation of the Piper’s River tip, better hours for the George Town tip, and the return of tip tickets.
Peter Parkes
As a resident of George Town for over 40 years I am a firm believer in a local voice, and I believe our collective voice will become increasingly important to ensure clear direction.