MARK Jones may have been the last of three candidates to enter the Mount Gambier mayoral race, but he is not without a vision for the city.
The former teacher threw his hat in the ring to contest the civic leader position just in time for the ballot draw this week, aspiring to unseat incumbent Andrew Lee and collect more votes than prominent business leader Lynette Martin.
Mr Jones grew up in Adelaide and worked for decades across the border, moving to Mount Gambier five years ago.
“I’m a retired teacher and this is my fifth year in Mount Gambier after a long time in Victoria,” he told The Border Watch yesterday.
“I studied agriculture at Roseworthy College in Adelaide before I moved to the eastern seaboard and worked there for many years.”
Mr Jones said he moved to Mount Gambier to enjoy the “clean and green” surrounds and a more relaxed lifestyle.
“It does not have the hustle and bustle of a capital city and peak hour only lasts between five and 10 minutes,” he said.
“I enjoy the lifestyle here.”
While conceding he was “absolutely green” to the area of local government, Mr Jones said he had been interested in politics “for a number of years”.
“I’m translating my interest into action,” he said.
“I consider there are issues with the way council is being run and a few shortcomings. Council needs to be more focused on serving the basic needs of ratepayers and providing basic services.”
Mr Jones said he would introduce a rate capping policy if elected.
“There has been a history of rate increases in excess of the inflation rate – my first policy will be to cap rate rises to the inflation rate,” he said.
“To make this possible, financial waste in the council will be targeted. For example, the employment of an investment attraction manager represents service duplication with Regional Development Australia Limestone Coast.
“Does the city require two media communications staff? Is it appropriate to fund a retiring councillor to attend a two-day conference being held next month in Adelaide?
“These are just a few areas where savings can be made.”
He added he intended to “get better value from ratepayers’ funds” and reduce “financial waste”.
Mr Jones said he perceived “glaring problems” with council’s proposed sport and recreation centre.
“Before the formation of the community reference group, the whole community should have been given the opportunity to brainstorm ideas to improve community wellbeing,” he said.
“My third policy will be to implement this missing step.
“My fourth policy is to maintain a high standard of governance for the council and my fifth policy is not to use public office for private gain.”
