Eye on mayoralty: Graham pledges greater transparency

Clutha mayoral candidate Bruce Graham relaxes at his Crichton home near Balclutha yesterday....
Clutha mayoral candidate Bruce Graham relaxes at his Crichton home near Balclutha yesterday. PHOTO: RICHARD DAVISON
A new mayoral candidate for Clutha says he wants to restore trust in local government.

Incumbent Kaitangata-Matau ward councillor Bruce Graham threw his hat in the mayoral ring yesterday, pledging to bring greater transparency and accountability to the district’s governance.

Cr Graham (66), a retired engineering foreman, said he had been disheartened during the most recent of his four terms as councillor to see a growing level of mistrust in officials.

He believed the issue could be addressed by listening more closely to ratepayers and delivering on their feedback.

"The amount of information you need to take on to make proper, informed decisions for people has only grown over the years I’ve been on council.

"Since I retired last year, I’ve had the chance to go out and speak to people affected by council issues, and I think that gives you a much broader and deeper understanding of what’s actually going on.

"It’s time for more listening, and less talking.’’

Cr Graham was reluctant to criticise current mayor Bryan Cadogan, instead saying he was happy with the council’s recent direction.

Mr Cadogan has indicated he will be seeking a fifth consecutive term in mayoral office.

"I don’t believe in bad-mouthing others, but there’s been some well-expressed dissatisfaction with Bryan from some parts of the community,’’ Cr Graham said.

"I think that’s something you have to wear as a figurehead, and I’m certainly prepared to stand behind any decisions I’ve made as part of this council.’’

Sometimes change was necessary to allow for forward movement of an organisation, he said.

"There’s a reason All Blacks coaches don’t outstay their welcome. I don’t think any leader should be doing more than two terms.’’

The father of two - married to corrections officer Leona for more than 20 years - said friends and family had reacted positively to his announcement.

"Some might say I joke around too much, but when things are getting tense, it can be good to lighten things up sometimes, and keep the conversation friendly.

"I’ve plenty of experience chairing committees and I’m pretty thick-skinned. I think if you’ve got to be so careful of what you say that you can’t tell the truth, there’s a problem somewhere.’’

richard.davison@odt.co.nz