Richard Johns

My principal place of residence is in the Mayor - Tasman District Council area.

Things can't continue, It's time for change and consolidation.

I am a critical thinker with problem solving skills based on earthmoving and construction.

My goals: Debt reduction; Capped rates; Staff numbers reduced; Stop vanity and non essential spending; Return to core functions including roading, rivers and infrastructure with proactive maintenance.

Steps to achieve consolidation: Council culture needs to change to outcome based rather than adverserial, revenue generating style presently practiced; Selling non core assets to reduce debt; Non essential projects stopped or put on hold, $12 million bridge reviewed; Review CEO contract to put councillors back in control; Remove bureaucratic road blocks and red tape; Review participation in LGNZ.

I would lead a team, and to achieve change it would be helpful to have a team of critical thinking councillors. I am prepared to make the big decisions and butt heads if required.