Meet the candidates: Karen May

Karen May has a long list of groups she is involved in, including Regional Social Development Centre, Sarina RSL Club and Sarina Historical Centre

Karen May - 2016 Mackay Regional Council election councillor candidate. Picture: contributed

From Karen May to voters;

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself as councillor candidate for the Mackay Regional Council. I have lived in Sarina for the past 31 years.

I have 12 years' experience in Local Government four years at Mackay Regional Council, eight years Sarina Shire Council (4 years as councillor, three years as deputy mayor and a year as mayor).

Related stories: Karen May talks about the issues

I am well equipped to the meet the challenges of the Mackay Regional Council.  I believe in listening to the issues of the people in which ever locality you live across the region then follow the matter through to a conclusion. 

In this term of council we need to ensure that council delivers local employment opportunities through purchasing local goods and services where ever possible. Stimulate investment and confidence in our region through having a comprehensive strategic plan, a planning scheme that all stakeholders have agreed upon and a community plan that set out where your rate funds are going to be spent.

In the vast area of the Mackay Regional Council it is important for you and your family to have access to their councillor. Greg Williamson and his councillor alliance will deliver local community representation through our Council in Community Program.  That is ensuring access to councillor in the community on a fortnightly basis and community forums on a quarterly basis.

I believe that I have the expertise and experience to deliver that strong representation that is required.  You can see from my previous involvement with the community and the Mackay Region that I am well placed and informed to deliver a strong voice in local government and be part of a council that is charged with advancing the Mackay Region.

It is paramount that we continue to plan and provide for the future needs of the Mackay region.  Planning for roads, drainage, water, sewerage and waste infrastructure is important to support the whole Mackay region.  Provision of services and recreational facilities is also important and locating them in the right place to provide maximum community benefits.

Maintaining an asset management system will ensure that roads, drainage, water, sewerage and facilities maintenance is carried out in a timely manner and within budget.  Providing support for community organisations, the development of arts and cultural programs, youth development, development of sports and recreational organisations and providing for our aging community is also a high priority.

To me becoming a councillor was not about becoming a powerful person it is about being part of an organisation and a team that gave me an opportunity to try and make a difference and to serve the people to the best of my ability.  I have in the past used my expertise and life experiences to help me make informed decision for the betterment of the community. I am seeking your support on March 19 to represent you on the Mackay Regional Council.

Grew Up: Rockhampton.

Based: Sarina.

Regional vision: Part of a team that's charged with resetting Mackay region through effective community representation, sensible economic planning, delivering employment opportunities, effectively managing council finances.

Employment: Own Sarina Motor Inn Hideaway Restaurant. Owned an Eagle Boys Pizza franchise, currently managing Sarina RSL Club.

Chocolate type: Milk.

Embarrassing moment: Falling over in the shopping centre carpark and the trolley of groceries also tipped over and fell out all over the carpark.

Pub meal: Crumbed steak, chips and salad.

Greatest Achievement: Opportunity to lead Sarina Shire Council through amalgamation as Mayor. It was a very humbling experience knowing I was supported by workforce and community.

Favourite Memory: Caravanning holidays with my mother, father and brother.

Community: Mackay Regional Housing Company, Regional Social Development Centre, Sarina Community Bendigo Bank, Sarina RSL Club and Sarina Historical Centre.

Milkshake: Chocolate.

Nickname: Mayo.

Why run? I decided to run because many people were saying to me that they wanted local representation and access.

Fave bevvy: Latte coffee

Biggest issues: Council not connected with community, lack of employment opportunities, outdated planning scheme, unplanned ad hoc spending, high rates, spending council reserve funds.

Steak: Medium

Dogs or Cats: Dogs

Why vote for you? Proven track record in effective community representation. Passion, drive and experience and the ability to listen to community and deliver that voice in council.

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Originally published as Meet the candidates: Karen May