Good candidate aims to tackle decay found in Goodwood
WITH an extensive education and background in social science and urban development, Goodwood resident of more than 10 years, Gavin Joachims hopes to do something about the decay that his neigbourhood has descended into over the past five years.
Joachims, a former bookstore owner who now owns a publishing company, said potholes in every street, frequent flooding and lighting issues are what prompted him to stand as Good party candidate for ward 27.
“I believe if an area is left to decay it breeds a myriad social ills. This is what is happening in Goodwood.
“In ward 27, our roads and green spaces have been neglected, our parks, pavements and verges are overgrown, and there are potholes in every street. Gang markings have gone up – almost unnoticed – on walls in our area. Our streets are not well lit, and there are numerous streets where the same street lights go out every few weeks,” he said.
Joachims said the issue was not that residents did not log complaints, but that they were not attended to.
He said he aimed to approach the above issues through listening, after having learnt that solutions to many societal problems were often presented by people who lived and worked in areas themselves.
“I have a vested interest here. I live here. I have the same concerns as everyone living in Goodwood. My children are still young and I want them to be able to ride their bikes in the road and to play in the park. I want them to have the freedom to walk to the shop without feeling threatened or scared,” said said.
While Joachims owned a bookstore in Goodwood, he made the space available for the development of children and youth through art, music and writing.
Assistant was long-time Goodwood resident and after-care facility owner, Sharon Crowie.
In his exploration of Goodwood, through both living, working and engaging with others, Joachims developed a five-year plan to nurture a sense of pride in Goodwood through rekindling art, culture, sport and business, strengthening security, and being responsive to the community.