John Randall to run for election

Ending months of speculation, Southern Downs identity John Randall, announced this week his intention to stand as a candidate at the council elections in April.
“I have spent the past six months talking and listening to a wide range of people across the whole Southern Downs community. I am now convinced that I can really bring value to a position on the council,” Mr Randall said.
“However, I have still not decided whether to stand as a Mayoral candidate or as a potential Councillor. That decision will be made closer to the nomination date. I have still to discuss this important decision further with a few more people,” he said.
Mr Randall confirmed that he had been canvassing views and opinions from members of the community including many smaller towns such as Wallangarra, Maryvale and Leyburn. All have told him there was a need for changes within the council.
“Of course, the major issue that everyone is raising with me, whether it be from senior citizens, people on the land or small business owners, is that we need to control the council budget so we can control the rates.
“I know the system, and I know it requires a great degree of teamwork on the part of everyone within the council to control the budget. By working as a team, the new council can achieve this.”
Mr Randall said he had compiled a 10-Point Action Plan, which covered practical, realistic actions to achieve the top 10 needs of the Southern Downs community.
“The top 10 needs have been identified to me by the community, not bureaucrats or politicians. These needs are the priorities of the broader community.
“They include areas such as fairness in representation no matter where you may live, water security, transparency in council activities, support for sporting clubs, jobs for young people and strengthening the overall economy of the Southern Downs.”
Mr Randall said he would be releasing his policies in full once he had made his final decision as to whether he stands for Mayor or Councillor.
“I expect to be making that decision later next week. As I have said, there is a wide range of community sectors that I need to talk with before I can make that decision.”