Need seen for more transparent council
Bruce Graham
Age: 66 Occupation: Retired engineering supervisor
Marital status: Married to Leona with two adult stepchildren and three grandchildren
1. What is your connection to the Clutha district?
I was born in Clyde and shifted to Milton at the age of 12, attending Tokomairiro High School. Upon leaving school I took an apprenticeship in Milton with Alliance Textiles as a fitterturner. I moved to Balclutha in 1980, working for Morgan O’Shea and then Duffy Engineering. In 1995 I moved to Kaitangata, and in 2012 we purchased a lifestyle block and moved to Lovells Flat. In 2010 I became the Kaitangata/Matau ward councillor and have held this position since then, along with council duties. I have spent the past 4.5 years as chair of the service delivery committee, and the past six years as the councilappointed rep to the regional transport committee.
2. Are you or have you been within the past five years an active member of any political, protest or other activist movement or party? How might that influence your activities and ambitions as mayor?
I have never belonged to any political, protest or activist movement.
3. Why are you standing for mayor?
I am standing for mayor as I believe that it is time for change. Having been on council for 12 years I see a need for it to be more transparent, and to listen to the people for the betterment of their community and our district as a whole. I want to regain the trust of the people of the Clutha district.
4. What do you believe is the biggest issue facing Clutha during the next three years, and how can it be solved?
Over the next three years the Clutha district is going to have many challenges, some larger than others, including central government reforms, our environment, development, housing and roading, just to name a few. Central government reforms are potentially the largest issue. To tackle these, we as a council need to regain the trust from the people within our community, so that we can stay in the conversation to ensure the best outcome. This trust can be gained by listening and informing the people of the Clutha district.