Candidates on qualities, experience
| Author | Ilona Hanne |
| Published date | 28 September 2022 |
| Publication title | Stratford Press |
In alphabetical order, they are Mary Bourke, Alan Jamieson, Matthew McDonald and Andrew Wood.
Voting packs will be delivered to enrolled voters from Friday, September 16, and voting will close at noon, Saturday, October 8. The regional council uses the first past the post (FPP) electoral system, which means that the candidate with the most votes will be elected to the seat.
The Stratford Press contacted all four candidates by email on Wednesday, August 24, giving them five questions to answer by noon on Friday, August 26. They were asked to keep each answer under 100 words to ensure all could be fitted in. In the case of a submitted answer going over 100 words, answers have been cut off at the end of the sentence that leaves it closest to the 100-word point. Their answers to these questions have run in the Stratford Press in the lead-up to the election. Their answers were also available online a few days before they ran in the print edition for our Premium subscribers.
In this final week of the series, candidates answer questions on their governance experience and what three qualities they feel they bring to the table:
What three qualities do you bring to the table?Mary Bourke:
A commitment to being prepared and understanding all sides of an issue. Ability to listen and ensure all voices are heard. Integrity and honesty.
Alan Jamieson:
In my experience, the three most important qualities to add value to governance are: 1. Ability to represent the opinions and views of ratepayers. 2. Ability to understand proposals and question assumptions. 3. Time. As Stratford deputy mayor I have demonstrated these qualities consistently over the past 12 years. I make time to attend community events to listen to the views and concerns of residents, acting as an interface with council. I prepare thoroughly for meetings by reading and researching, and I come prepared with questions. Representing takes time – I use my time to do the best for you.
Matthew McDonald:
I believe I have excellent decision-making qualities because I am able to understand all sides of a situation or proposal and look beyond the quick fix and look for solutions, we need to ask why are we doing this, what the outcome and make the right decisions.
My values and hard work ethic are known and I am a very open person, you know I will fight for Stratford and the region.
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