John White would like voters to give him the chance to serve another term on council to carry on his quest supporting those who are disadvantaged by poor decisions of council.
Mr White said certain individuals, groups and communities are losing long-held rights, unjust planning decisions and capital works projects that are not respecting impacted citizens.
“Cann River Transfer station, Lakes’ Entrance Walk, ferry passes for Raymond Island residents, no home building on infill blocks on Raymond Island and loss of rights to build on long held rural properties, just to name a few,” he said.
“It has been a pleasure to sit on the Rural Advisory Committee and to be involved in gaining funding for Gippsland Ag Sector research farm along with the learning centre pavilion at the airport.
“This building is multipurpose to suit other groups and the East Gippsland Field Days. I have been totally consistent with trying to keep rates rises to a minimum, given little support from majority of other councillors.
“Just recently it was pleasing to second Sonia Buckley’s motion on transparency and open briefings to the public. This was passed but not supported by all.”
Going forward Mr White said with almost all wooden bridges replaced with concrete, money can be redirected to residential areas with no footpaths and to gravel roads needing sealing due to lifestyle properties developing along sections of them, for example Centre Goon Road.
“As the capital works become more normal, costs to ratepayers will reduce as inflationary pressure on current works has required top ups to grant money with council cash to cover tendered prices,” he said.
“Grant applications going forward will reflect the increase in prices.
“Careful analysis of finances with such a large budget can find significant savings just as private enterprise has to do in tough times. This would be most welcomed by ratepayers as they have been forced year after
year to pick up the shortfall when savings should have been found first.
“The community is hurting for all sorts of reasons but mostly financial, so I would suggest we give them a break.”
