Statement from Clint Baddeley in response to questions from Raglan 23:
My wife and I have lived in Raglan for over 40 years and have both been active in the Community during that time, including involvement in the Kindergarten, Children’s soccer, St John Ambulance where we were both volunteer officers for many years, I also with others have had a leading role with Raglan Community Radio.
In earlier days I also involved with the Raglan club as a volunteer.
Both of our children attended Raglan Area school, starting in the junior school and finishing in the senior school.
I am a Fitter / Welder by trade and have worked in the Gas industry, Cement industry here in Raglan and the Freezing industry,as a second career I was a senior advocate for the EPMU representing working people across New Zealand.
For many years I have had a number of Governance roles including Government appointments. This includes WINTEC and Trust Waikato,where I became chair.I have been asked to take a leadership role in every organisation I have been involved in.
Council has agreed a long-term plan that includes maintaining services, supporting growth and managing debt.
In Raglan we have a number of issues ahead of us including maintaining our reputation for recycling, Stormwater management , completion of the Whaanga coast Wastewater project, roading upgrades and other infrastructure renewals plus amenities for our children but above all the keeping of the Character that is Raglan.
I’m pleased to have played a leading role and been able to raise funds outside of ratepayer funds for the Museum and Information centre and the Skatepark extensions .
Whilst targeted rates are higher than I would like, we do need to get those accounts out of deficit and will work to keep general rates as low as possible.
I will continue to develop relationships and collaborate with others for the betterment of the region including MOU’s with Iwi.
It is my view that Local Government is likely to be of a different design in the next few years and I want to make sure that Raglan’s voice is heard at the table during that process.
Council needs to start now preparing for anew consent for Wastewater discharge but at the same time incentivising the collection of rain water whist maintaining high quality reticulated potable water.
I will await the outcome of a survey of ratepayers who take their water from Hamilton and the Hamilton referendum on fluoridation before stating my position on this issue.
Raglan has a very positive future and I will continue to work with those who see the big picture, wether it be through Tourism and business innovation or the social needs of our town.
Regards
Clint Baddeley