How next leaders will rescue city from virus devastation
No matter which Redlands mayoral candidate claims victory today, the city they will inherit is not the same one they signed up. Here’s how the region has changed in mere weeks and how these candidates plan to support it.
Redlands Coast
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THERE has never been a more crucial time for strong leadership in the Redlands.
Businesses have closed their doors, the region’s prominent aging population is a severe risk of deadly illness and families are struggling to put food on their tables — this is not the Redlands any council candidate signed up for, least of all those vying to be its next mayor.
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However the city’s three mayoral candidates: David Curtin, Claire Richardson and incumbent Karen Williams have a plan to support their community and lead them through one of the darkest times in its history.
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Candidate Claire Richardson said the Redlands’ new council would need to focus on the region’s immediate needs (including basic services like clean water, wastewater treatment and waste removal) as its faces the COVID-19 pandemic and also back its local businesses.
“Council must take the lead as a central source of information to the community, as well as
ensuring everyone has access to food, medical treatment and essential supplies and services,” Dr Richardson said.
“Council also has an important role to play in supporting local businesses and in addressing broader community issues that will emerge in the coming weeks, such as social isolation.
“The newly elected councillors will need to rapidly assimilate relevant information about the council (disaster management) response, as well as participating in training about their new role.
“In the short-term, it is vital for newly elected Councillors to be in a position to provide guidance to the local community and businesses about sources of advice about health and support and services being made available by Council and other agencies.
“The longer term challenge will be addressing the socio-economic issues that our community will face in the future.
“Councillors will play an important roles in supporting and communicating with have our community as we progress through these challenging times and as we go through the recovery process.
As the closest level of government to the community, Dr Richardson said the council must give clear, “but responsive and compassionate leadership” to “overcome the challenges of the current situation with dignity and respect”.
STABILITY FOR COMMUNITY
Incumbent mayor Karen Williams said the residents had been“telling me they need certainty and stability right now” and pointed to fastracking the region’s growth to support the economy.
“They want to know that we can move quickly to break ground on the projects that are going to deliver jobs and help them keep food on the table.
“Under my leadership there has already been a lot of work done on those projects, with $2 billion of investment that will deliver more than 1500 jobs already on the horizon.
“Right now we need experience to see those projects through so local mums and dads can support their families and local businesses can thrive.
“When I was first elected 16 years ago it was a steep learning curve, but there is no doubt the learning curve that will greet the incoming council will be the steepest yet.”
She said the new team would need to unite and move quickly to support residents.
“Councillors will also have to be innovative to respond to the pandemic, we will have to think outside the box and we will have to call on networks from other local governments to share learnings and information.
“Outside of financial relief we will also need to do what we can to generate employment.
“We have $2 billion of investment on the cards in Redland City, which has the potential to generate more than 1500 jobs for local mums and dads.
“We need to ensure as many of those jobs go to locals as possible.
“Council will also need to focus on supporting our island and ageing communities... council will need to be on the ground speaking with these communities and ensuring they have the support and supplies they need.”
SUPPORT LOCAL
Candidate David Curtin has pledged to “reboot the Redlands” and has referred online to the
struggle facing local businesses, highlighting it as a top priority.
“Please support local businesses! #BuyLocal and support our local economy,” he said.
“Businesses are really struggling at the moment and they need our community to support them.
“Stop shopping online and support local jobs.”
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