My interest in community politics was originally nurtured by my parents, who instilled in me the need, in a democracy, for people to actively participate.
Without participation, the democratic process, with all that it offers in freedom and choice, becomes dysfunctional. Consequently from a young age, I have been very active in our community.
Having now served as a councillor for three terms, I appreciate more than ever the importance of experience, continuity and enthusiastic representation of our ward at Council level.
Casting a vote over the next couple of weeks in the upcoming Super City elections is your opportunity to be involved.
Having previously represented the people of East Coast Bays for more than a decade, I appreciate more than ever the importance of experience, continuity and enthusiastic representation of our area as we enter this new and untested political environment and the need to actively speak-out and stand up for East Coast Bays community issues.
I believe I have a good feel for the local issues and will continue to be instrumental in promoting the continued re-vitalisation of our villages and town centres, most notably Torbay, Browns Bay and Mairangi Bay, advocating for an additional harbour crossing and ensuring that we preserve the qualities that make the Bays’ special.
I ask for your vote so that I can provide leadership, accountability and achieve positive action for the people of East Coast Bays and ensure forceful advocacy of the local community - competent, able and willing to voice the concerns and viewpoints of the community, without fear or favour, and regardless of the views or pressures from any other quarter.
Gary Holmes