Candidate: James Burns

scone.com.au asked each candidate in the upcoming Upper Hunter Shire Council elections a series of questions to allow readers to compare and contrast responses, based on questions sent by our readers and stories which generated the most interest in the community:

1: An overview of your background.

After being born and raised in Scone, I set out to see the world at age 18 and joined the Royal Australian Navy.  I served my country for 10 years.  After living in Canberra and Wangaratta, I returned to the Upper Hunter in 2011, seeking secure employment and the pleasures of a rural setting to raise our young children with my wife.

2: Why are you running?

The Upper Hunter is where my wife and I have chosen to make our home and raise our children, it is vitally important that we continue to work towards development of infrastructure and new industries for future generations.  I want to significantly contribute to the growth and security of our Shire.

It is my belief that we should all ‘give better than we got’.  Everyone needs a voice and I want to be a new ear to listen to that voice.

3: Have you been on Council before? How many years? In what roles?

Never been a councillor.

4: What are the three main issues you would like to address as a Councillor if you are elected?

1: Continued development and growth in youth services, including mental health awareness for Kindergarten to Year 12.

2: Assisting young families through day care and out of hours care, increasing the availability of these services in a sustainable and responsible way.

3: Potholes – I want to see our roads maintained in a quick and logical way. We cannot invite new industry and tourism to our shire if the roads are not up to scratch.

5: What do you think Councillors could be doing better?

Council should always maintain a consistent level of transparency with the community, prior to, during and after the decision making process.

6: Who have you listed on your “How to Vote” (in order):

1 James Burns; 2 Lee Watts; 3 Liam Garment; 4 Debra Haydon; 5 Arthur Wright; 6 Lorna Driscoll

7: In the referendum will you be voting for a directly elected Mayor? (yes / no).

Yes

8: Are you currently or have you ever been a member of a political party or campaigned for a political party?

Yes – past member Canberra Liberal Party

9: Would you have supported the sale of the library building without community consultation, putting it on the public record or out to public tender?

No. It is a shire asset and the people of the shire are entitled to know about the sale of their assets.

10: While not legally required, do you feel it is ethically required for Council to place on the public record the sale of any Council owned land and buildings?

Community engagement should  happen the moment any services are being changed or removed.

11: Do you think it was acceptable that septic services were closed without community consultation or it being placed on the public record?

 

12: Do you feel the current Councillors have been able to ensure Council has been transparent and proactive with the community? Why/Why Not?

The current councillors have made an effort to be transparent and proactive within the community. My goal is to communicate effectively with the community by listening more than talking.

13: Will you support free green waste drop off or green waste bins?

I would support it but need to see the budget numbers for this particular item. I can’t promise anything without having all the facts and figures.

14: Many residents report feeling unsafe going for a walk due to the number of stray dogs. Do you think Council’s current response time of 24 hours for a ranger to attend to a call for a stray dog is acceptable? What would you propose?

Animals are not responsible for themselves, their owners are.  Increased financial penalties for repeat offenders will go towards reducing the numbers of stray dogs on our streets.

15: Do you feel the water pipeline to Murrurundi is progressing well or could Council be doing more to expediate this infrastructure?

The current council is in control of the Murrurundi Water pipe line and it is progressing appropriately.

16: What improved recreational facilities would you support across the Shire?

An upgrade of the Scone skate park would be a welcome addition to the Shire, fenced in park areas for small children and ensuring that our current facilities are correctly maintained.

17: Where can people find more information about you?

Facebook page: James Burns for Upper Hunter Shire.

Related Story:

• Meet the 2016 Candidates.