Norm Barker

On September 3 the Waikato Times gave me the second highest rating of the present incumbent councillors, 8/10.

I was particularly pleased with their independent comments.

‘‘One of the real workhorses of the council and an increasingly influential figure as chair of the Regional Transport committee and the Land and Water quality subcommittee. A farmer at heart, Barker has developed into a skilful and measured politician who has formed strong relations with stakeholders across the region. A strong analytical thinker.’’

I am standing with eight others under the ‘‘ One Waikato’’ banner where we have seen, through the good work of the mayoral forum where significant savings have been identified. One Waikato believes that these saving can be achieved; it just takes the political will to make it happen.

These saving can be achieved through local authorities and the regional council sharing a range of services.

Streamlined planning is another and, as a small example, we all have seen the brouhaha over electoral signs. We don’t need different rules in different councils on something so simple as signs.

This does not mean amalgamation but it does mean that we would need to collaborate much better than we have done in the past.

I am committed to working hard across the whole of the new Waihou constituency, for everyone, to enhance a resilient and sustainable environment and progress a vibrant economy to strengthen all our communities.

I invite you to look at our website onewaikato.co.nz and my Facebook page,

Norm Barker, One Waikato.