RUNNING FOR MAYOR ONLY
KYLIE STIBBARD
What I can bring to Singleton Council is fresh perspective and a well invested commitment to the success of our district.
With many of my large extended family living here, our commitment to this area is indisputable and remains my greatest inspiration. I want to see Singleton getting on with the job of growing with industry, taking innovative steps to enhance the processes of land release and housing development, along with well-designed traffic solutions and development of local business strategies, including the design and use of our CBD.
As mayor of Singleton, I would bring to the table intelligent, articulate leadership that we can be proud of. I believe I have the capacity to promote Singleton as a leader in the region, by being proactive on co-existence with mining and by actively participating in setting world class standards on the monitoring of health impacts.
We must also place greater importance on effective relationships with our surrounding local government areas, to achieve better outcomes for the wider region.
Cultural reinvention and an overhaul of accepted behaviour in council chambers is long overdue.
I believe I have the skills and experience to achieve these aims and embrace the challenge.
TERRY O'BRIEN
With over 23 years in the RAAF as an Officer and over 25 years in business in senior executive roles, including CEO, I will bring both leadership and decision making skills to council.
I have extensive experience in the structural design of businesses as well as knowledge of many of the responsibilities of council such as road construction and maintenance, the operation of libraries, the construction industry, computing and occupation, health and safety.
I have operated as a trouble shooter in private enterprise and the RAAF and thrive in complex environments that are stressful.
I have extensive experience in working with a broad spectrum of people cooperatively and in harmony despite having differences.
I believe in strong fiscal management and long term budgeting.
Singleton's budget is complex, relatively large and the council needs as many councillors as possible who have the knowledge to understand and work with budgets of that size and nature. I have that expertise.
I have been responsible for organisations with staffs exceeding 500 people and have developed and implemented HR systems.
In summary I am giving the people of Singleton Shire the opportunity to elect a proven leader with strong business and management skills and expertise in many complimentary functions that will assist me in being an effective mayor.
FRED HARVISON
Each candidate for election to council this year will bring their own personal attributes and ideas for what they want to achieve.
In my case, I will be bringing to council experience, integrity, leadership and a ‘can do’ philosophy.
Having been a councillor since 1999 and mayor during the period 2002-2008 I have a wide knowledge of the relevant legislations and policies that dictate how council, and elected members, operate in the best interests of our community.
My 35 years’ military service, and 30 plus years’ management experience in the private sector, have given me a sound understanding of the dynamics of an organisation; an understanding that is essential in carrying out the role of mayor.
During my life I have strived not to compromise on my integrity and this has been very much the case during my time as a councillor. Despite some ongoing unsavoury events that have taken place, especially my having been spied on by a private investigator engaged by another councillor’s spouse, my integrity has remained in place.
My ‘can do’ philosophy is about getting on and getting things done. For too long council’s philosophy has been about why things shouldn’t be done – not about why things should be done.
RUNNING FOR MAYOR AND COUNCILLOR
JOHN MARTIN
I have again nominated for council, as I believe I would bring to that position many years of knowledge and experience.
Having lived and worked in Singleton all my life gives me a broad understanding of the area and its community.
This enables me to understand the needs of the area, not only in Singleton, but the Hunter Region.
I have a solid knowledge of local government and am well known throughout New South Wales, having served on many state committees and organisations.
My many years as a company manager of a local business gives me an understanding in that field.
In State Emergency Service, my training in disaster management and in control of volunteers has given me leadership skills, which I have used in many disaster situations, both in Singleton and around New South Wales.
The next four years will be a very challenging period for council.
If elected as mayor, I would have a professional approach to that position and bring stability to elected council.
LEE GALLAGHER
There are a number of things that I am able to bring to council. Having been a councillor over five terms, I bring broad experience to the table, as well as support for other elected members and understanding of council processes.
During this time, I have had commitment to the workings of council and the respect of council officers in the decision making processes. I see the job of councillor as one of responsibility and integrity which the community has entrusted to me in making decisions to progress the development and growth of the Singleton Local Government Area into the future.
I also bring a large amount of knowledge to the council and am able to input my background knowledge when extra information may be required in order to reach a conclusion.
Having been to a Conflict Resolution course in my teaching profession, there is much that I am able to use from this material in all areas of council to develop a team approach in council.
Making Singleton an even better place to live will see the elected council working through projects and returning excellence to the residents that each of us represents.
SUE MOORE
EXPERIENCE with energy - a firm understanding of complicated local government rules and regulations having served 13 years as a councillor including the past four years as mayor.
Enthusiasm and commitment to see through many projects that have commenced.
My four children are adults and I am self employed therefore I have the time to commit to serve you for the following term.
I am aware of the disappointment in councillors over the past term.
Yes, council has had problems to deal with, Code of Conduct complaints-confidential and otherwise, Council defending Court action-including Land and Environment matters, councillors being “spied upon” by others.
It is not expected that all will have the same views on matters however respect for each other’s point of view is essential and this has not always been the case.
I have been awaiting these elections for quite some time as I, for one, want to get on with the job and progress the many important issues needed for our community.
As mayor or councillor I will continue to strive for a productive and co-operative team. I have the experience, energy, enthusiasm and commitment to lead the team and would be honoured to again be Singleton mayor.
TONY McNAMARA
What do you think you can bring to the council?
If elected, I can bring leadership to a new council working collectively to build a strong professional team with a mission. A team with vision and the strength to get the job done. The new council must set appropriate goals for the immediate and long term future and achieve them. We will do that.
Council must regain its respected position in the community. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are necessary to develop a harmonious team committed to Singleton. We will do that.
I know how to work with elected members and staff to get the job done. Building bridges and other large civic infrastructure requires excellent negotiating skills. A council with a common goal will be successful. We will be progressive.
Excellent financial management and proper budget control measures are essential for our council. We can control our destiny with prudent fiscal decisions and wise investment. Council has sixty million dollars in investments. This is big business. In a McNamara led council there will be respect, harmony and progress. There will be no more court play, no waste of your money on personal vendettas and no factional politics.
The new Singleton Council will be built on integrity, vision and trust. This is what good leadership creates.
GARY LOWE
It would be easy to respond to this question with a bunch of throw away cliche' lines such as: new ideas, fresh leadership, new perspectives and 'I want to make a difference'.
However, that’s not really answering the question. The Argus has allowed me the opportunity to connect with you, and I don't intend to waste it.
If I am successful on September 8, the community will be providing council with the youngest councillor in Singleton’s history.
I will be able to bring to council an energy and optimism that will allow us the tools to engage with our community, and Singleton can be excited again, about the direction of our community and its future.
It is important that we never forget our aging population. They have toiled hard to make this town what it is today, and it is imperative that we source their feedback on community issues.
However, it is our youth, and young adults in our community who will carry the flame into the future, and I will be able to effectively communicate with them.
Council will be a true reflection of our community, if I hold a position on it.
www.facebook.com/GaryLowe4Singleton
GODFREY ADAMTHWAITE
What I know I can bring to council are eight principles;
Integrity, Leadership, Selflessness, Impartiality, Accountability, Openness, Honesty and Respect.
I have a mind of my own and will not be influenced by others in the performance of any duties I would be assigned as a councillor. I will promote and support these principles by leading by example to regain and strengthen the public’s confidence in the integrity of the council. I will make decisions on merits and in the public’s interests with openness and transparency in an honest manner. Respecting others at all times with the respect that I would expect in return.
This has been my first term as a councillor (2008-2012) and I have learned much about the legislations and policy making which dictate the way a council and councillors should operate in the best interests of Singleton’s community.
My life’s work experiences;
•••* Working as part of a team in the underground coal industry in an inherently hazardous environment.
* Team player in the Australian army as a National Serviceman for two years.
* Mine Manager of a multi million dollar underground coal mine where people looked to me for leadership and support through my technical and statutory ability.
* And finally to build my own successful small business in Singleton.
This has given me the knowledge and understanding which I will use to assist the new council in building a better Singleton for all.
VAL SCOTT
If I am re-elected, I believe that I would continue to bring common sense into council, especially in debating issues, whilst having looked at both sides of the equation.
Integrity, honesty transparency, commitment, reliability, excellent communication skills would be all attributes I already possess and would continue to deliver to everything I am involved in and what I actively do.
I would hope that my maturity would stand me in good stead to be a guidance to newcomers if assistance from me was requested.
I am an excellent listener and actually hear what people have to say, then, if appropriate, I act then and there, be it refering to others for help or what ever.
The history of the Singleton Local Government Area is fixed in my memory, having lived here most of my life and so I can often see a different side of an argument compared to those who have not lived here all that long.
I have a relationship with a lot of our country residents as I have known some of them for a long time and they need to feel that they have not and will not be forgotten by some of us who live in the town.
BOB KEOWN
Common sense, fiscal responsibility, fresh ideas, business experience, consensus building, respect for the office and the ability to make decisions for all without fear or favour -that’s what I intend to bring to this new council.
The council is a very large business, and must be run accordingly. If elected I will consider myself to be on its board of directors, under the leadership of the elected mayor.
Decisions must be made after careful consideration, however once a decision has been made I firmly believe it to be incumbent on all councillors to support it, without any of the back stabbing and factionalism that now occurs.
Furthermore, I believe I can bring people together, to assist in healing the derision and lack of consensus that has plagued our council for far too long.
I am very aware of the need to be cautious in pursuing policies and programs that we cannot afford, nor am I prepared to continue the squandering of vast amounts of rate-payers’ money on unnecessary legal battles (that we never seem to win), which achieve absolutely nothing. I intend to starve the lawyers of our hard earned funds!
Voters, the future make up of council is in your hands, and I urge you all to think very carefully when making your choices on this most critical of elections for the future of our great town and shire - it’s time for a new team!
CHRISTINA METLIKOVEC
I know I can bring new ideas and enthusiasm to Singleton.
My experiences in family business, retail and real estate have all taught me numerous lessons.
What is needed first and foremost is a love of the people and area and a desire to see it doing better.
Good people of Singleton deserve far better than what they have received.
The most basic first rule of council is to SERVE the community, not make the community feel that they are in servitude.
I possess no illusions about who or what I am. I am a very ordinary woman and mother, who has done the hard yards in many aspects of family and business life and I would be honoured to serve the people of Singleton.
Singleton has so much potential and opportunity for our youth and young families to come here to live.
Our potential is unlimited for the entire community, if managed fairly. Regardless of the outcome I have met some truly wonderful people whose friendship I know will grow with the years, an opportunity that would not have happened if I had not nominated.
The decision lies with you, the people of Singleton Shire.
HOLLEE DIEMAR-JENKINS
To even be nominated to run for council, for me in itself, is a huge honour and I can only bring to council, and serve the Singleton people as a councillor with those attributes that make me the person that I am.
I will be a councillor with honesty and integrity, a councillor who will listen to all sides of a debate before making an informed decision, a councillor who will always have the best interests of the Singleton local government area at the forefront of her thinking, a councillor with the maturity to debate topics but leave differences of opinion in the Chamber where it belongs, a councillor who earns the respect of the people of Singleton through ACTION not just words, a councillor who will take on my role with the pride and humility it deserves.
If successful with my campaign to be elected onto council, I will endeavour to get things going, instead of more traffic studies - ACTION, instead of more environment and health effect studies of the bats – ACTION, instead of another housing forum knowing that it is at crisis point – ACTION, instead of pondering what to do with our young people to encourage them to settle here – ACTION.
Thats why on September 8 I am asking for your vote.
Let’s get back on track!
RUTH ROGERS
I have currently served three years as a councillor. In this time I have learnt a large amount of information reference the DA Process, planning areas, and served on many council committees.
I believe I can bring to council knowledge from my past studies in real estate, and also in management with my previous and current business.
Management is not just about managing a business but about managing the community, requests from community and business and overall life.
Commitment is one of my strong points and if I commit to something I follow through with this.
Commitment to the community of Singleton as a whole is the utmost with me. I am very passionate about Singleton and the task at hand, and with this passion and commitment I can actively work towards traffic solutions, affordable housing, aged and disability care facilities and more importantly work for a strategy post mining.
Working as a collative team within the council to achieve better outcomes of both the decision making process and working with the executive staff and staff to obtain economic security and to ensure a better future for our LGA.
I believe that we need to re access policies and procedures to prevent the unnecessary spending of ratepayers’ money and allocate these funds into areas of priority.
These will only progress Singleton for the future.
TESSA CAPSANIS
I bring to the council attributes that are useful and pragmatic: experience as a professional manager in health service organisations; informed decision making skills that are based on evidence and policy; skills in collaboration, negotiation and communication; and lastly a calm and level headed nature.
These attributes and skills are basic to carrying out civic duties and I would like to apply them to the role of councilor.