I’m Tom Campbell and I’m standing for Mayor of Invercargill
So, here is what I see as the key work of the Mayor if I am elected:
1. To personify the character and the values of our City
Citizens need to be able to identify with their Mayor and feel pride in the person who is leading their City. I see this not just being about setting a high standard of personal behaviour, but also how Council is lead to develop plans and to make decisions. In all my working life I have always believed that the best and most enduring decisions are achieved through consensus. That means meaningful consultation and listening to other councillors, staff and the public.
2. To ensure the City runs efficiently but with Heart
ICC is one of Southlands largest businesses with annual spending of $120m. That means that even a small gain or loss of efficiency has a very significant impact on rates. The only way to keep rates down is by ensuring that we hold every dollar hostage and that spending is genuinely linked to greatest public need. No more major discretionary projects until we know we can afford them. Having been CEO of three companies in my business career, all larger than ICC, I believe I know how to drive that spending discipline and efficiency improvement.
3. To represent the interests of the City to Central Government
A key role for me as Mayor will be to make sure the City is getting its fair share of government spending and that the interests we have are being heard and reflected in policy. My own experience of being Chairman of several Crown Companies has meant that I have experience of working with and lobbying Government Ministers of every political persuasion for more than twenty years.
4. To provide strong Leadership , especially in a Crisis
This is an often overlooked, but absolutely critical role of the Mayor. When we see or become aware of other Mayors around the country it is invariably because they are leading their community response to natural disasters or other adverse impacts on their city. So, it is important when choosing a Mayor for citizens to consider whether that person would have the experience and capability to provide leadership when it matters most.
5. To Ensure our city continues to flourish
Invercargill has thrived over recent years with inner city development matched by a strong and growing economy. A key role for me as Mayor will be to make sure that positive momentum does not falter, while avoiding simply fuelling growth with increased rates. For that reason I have chosen as both a campaign slogan, but more importantly as a mission statement the phrase: