Disclaimer
The information on this page has been provided by the candidates. It does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.
Candidate statement
Franklin is my home, and I want to see it flourish. I have lived on this land and been part of our wonderful community for half a century, my wife and I have raised our children here, and I want our home to retain it's beauty for our grand-children. I have worked in the transport and farming sectors from a young age. As a volunteer I have received the service medal of the order of St John and life membership of the large sporting club I was previously the president of. I want every one of you to feel like your voice is heard and supported in our community. I want to preserve our recreation spaces and make them more user-friendly. I aim to provide stronger Community-Council communication, and hold Council Controlled Organisations (C.C.O.s) as well as service providers to account. Let's make our home the paradise it could be!
Why I want to be elected
I feel I can make a difference in the Franklin that I have known all my life and make it a better place for my kids and grandkids. I want to make every single person in Franklin feels heard and supported. I will represent Franklin's best interests at any table rather than going with the flow!
My key skills and qualities
I am a man of the people, I have spent years representing our people in various meetings and on committees. As a previous President of a large sporting club, I know how important it is to have someone represent the people and I promise to be your person at the table.
My top three key issues
1. Prioritising Franklin's infrastructure to catch up with current demand. 2. Get Council spending under control so that our people's rates aren't raising exponentially. 3. Supporting our local sports clubs and leisure groups to continue allowing Franklin's people to have the freedom to enjoy their past-times without fear of council interference.
My position on key topics
Transport
I want to see Franklin become a priority in all aspects including our transport. There is a massive lack of investment in future-proofing Franklin's roading and transport. We need to see good long term roading repairs and accountability for previous faults. Increase the usability of our recreational spaces by including more walking and cycling opportunities.
Water
I will invest in new water solutions rather than assuming we can rely on the current aged systems. Invest in our storm water networks so that storms have less impact on our people. Increase the accountability and support of Council and CCOs involved in potable water, storm water and wastewater. I want to see Franklin be a priority for all water services!
Built environment
I commit to retaining heritage buildings, fixtures, etc and increasing protections for them. I want to minimise the negative impact of urban sprawl on current assets of value (recreational spaces, schools and productive land) to the community. I will introduce a Council requirement for all new public facilities to include baby change systems.
Natural environment
I am committed to retaining all parks and recreational spaces in Franklin. I will increase the usability of these spaces by the people of Franklin, adding logical and necessary toilets, accessible facilities and parking spaces. I will invest in protection measures for our local wildlife (birds, etc).
Community
I will improve communication between residents and council by having regular community meetings in all areas of Franklin, keeping the community updated more often via social media and consulting with those that will be affected by making decisions.
Economic and cultural development
Lobby on the behalf of local businesses and ensuring fit for purpose local businesses preferred for Council contracts. I will consult with local iwi on the best ways to promote our local Franklin heritage.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
I want all people to feel heard and supported, to make this happen for Māori I will consult Iwi on decisions that affect them. I believe we should prioritise port traffic and rail so that our local Franklin businesses aren't hindered by delays in transport. Invest in our storm water networks so that storms have less impact on our people. Provide more assistance to Emergency Management to create better localised Response and Recovery. I will continue to invest in Auckland's Future Fund.
Candidate's supporting links
These links to external websites have been provided by the candidates. The content on these websites does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.