Candidates for the Upper Hunter Shire local government elections 2016

The Scone Advocate asked each of the Upper Hunter Shire’s 13 candidates two questions to help residents to decide their vote.

The questions were: 

- Why should Upper Hunter residents vote for you on September 10?

- What are you hoping to achieve/what are the issues that concern you most?

Here is Lee Watts’ response:

Question 1: My passion is people, making sure their needs are addressed and they all have the opportunity to be heard when they speak.

I can’t solve every problem - no one can - but I can listen to what is being said and try to get an outcome to the issue.

I really believe that when something needs to be done you should get in and do it; not wait for someone else to do it. It is worth putting in the time and effort to make things happen.

For more than 20 years I have managed the Scone Neighbourhood Centre working for and with the community advocating for disadvantaged families to ensure they are heard and treated fairly. I also assisted in establishing the Scone and Aberdeen Men’s Sheds.

For 12 years I’ve served on Local Government in the positions of Councillor, Deputy Mayor and Mayor, listening and working to achieve outcomes to improve the lives of the people living in the Shire.

There are different needs and hopes for each community. I have demonstrated as a Councillor that everyone needs to be looked after, no one area should achieve more than another.

Question 2: There can be no promises for big ticket items, but there can be a promise to be approachable and accessible to everyone; to listen to what is being said and do something with that information.

Plans have been created with groups in past years it is time they were brought to completion, I will work hard to see traction on the indoor pool facility and the arena for White Park.

The Murrurundi Pipeline project needs to be delivered earlier for a safe and secure water supply for the town.

I have a track record for following through and I believe everyone deserves a response or feedback to their questions.

Local pre-polling locations and dates include: