Sept 9th

Wow, where’s the time gone, a few more days to go an the elections are upon us.... there’s been a bit of activity in the press, some activity on power poles and some on windows and letterboxes....
Most people will have the same thoughts, who do i vote and why? Personally, I think it’s a matter of understanding who Not to vote for, who has a potential conflict of interest, especially around development, and who has affiliations with the state or federal government parties. Some people are spending a lot of money on this local council campaign. Newspaper ads, foldout leaflets, lots of large posters.. You should ask....where's the money coming from? Who's backing these candidates?
We (We love Warringah) will fight to keep state and federal politics out of our community, and we’ll fight to keep self-interest groups from influencing the running of the council. We’re independent, we’re not property developers and we’re not affiliated with registered political parties.
And we haven’t been on council before.

We want the beaches to remain clean and safe and have spoken with the surf clubs already; we want long term planning to occur regarding Warringah’s sporting amenities as we’re more active now, and we’re running out of weekend venues and we believe the council should play a large role in helping local small business succeed. Dee Why development should be more open to the people as should Brookvale developments.

Well, this blog took a while. Sick kids always pass on the flu at the worst times don’t they..
So, why am i running for council?
Councillors are elected by the people, to serve the people in the best interests of the community.
What will i do.
3 things. (actually more than three, but this will do for starters)
Planning
Not just the long term development of Dee Why and Brookvale, where are the plans for additional soccer fields, additional Netball courts, additional ruby and crickets pitches? With our population growing, global warming getting everyone outdoors and everyone trying to get fit, we’ve run out of sporting venues.
Local business and community group support
The Council has an Economic Development Unit. This unit should be expanded. We have a large community of mature people in Warringah interested in contributing to business community and sporting groups.
Communities – Part time Office bearer roles.
Community groups typically (let’s get into sweeping generalisations...) suffer the same constraints. While they have a passionate and growing membership, they are constrained by finding people willing and prepared to act in the roles of office. It’s always hard finding a treasurer..
Local Small business – borrow an expert
Council should provide a service to local small business where they can request a business manager, bookkeeper etc on a part time basis for free, to help them out of a bind. We setup a pool of experienced mature people who are interested in helping small business succeed. I worked for a small business in Canberra many years ago, and we benefited from a part time business manager given to us for free, by the Canberra Association of Regional development. (CARD)
Environment
Warringah should make Mulch free for gardeners
Warringah should sanction a grey water recycling technique and use the buying power of this 137,000 seat electorate to implement this cheaply.

Who Am I?

Hi, by way of introduction, my name is David Cramer, I’ve lived (as a home owner) in Collaroy Plateau for 15years, I have 3 young kids and I work for a large IT company in Nth Ryde. (Don’t start me on commute times...)

My Home life
I’ve lived on the plateau for 15years, only stepping away for a brief work transfer to the ACT in the late 90’s. I don’t surf, but all my friends do. (I’m an ex-Canberra boy...can’t learn to surf in Canberra...) I’m married (15years) with 1 son and 2 daughters, attending Saint Augustine’s and St Rose primary schools. I play soccer on the weekends for the CCStrikers, (the mighty O35-5’s hopefully headed for the Grand final this year) and have done so for many years. I’m a certified soccer referee (black and white), but don’t get much time to officiate in games any more.

My Work Life
My Working life started with the National Capital Development Commission (NCDC) in Canberra, many, many years ago. I worked in the Town Planning division for 2 years, before moving to a role working on new Parliament house as a draftsman. I had a go at industrial design, then got a proper job with 11 years in commercial architecture, prior to my 13 years in IT.
I now work as an Engagement Manager in Microsoft Consulting, a job title that doesn’t actually tell you what I do...... I’m responsible for ensuring that the Services Microsoft Consulting delivers into the Telecommunications and Media sections of the corporate world are well received, deliver value and provide my customers with a good experience.
My commitments at work are to deliver high customer satisfaction (we survey our customers at the end of every job), manage my projects to mutually agreed levels of quality and budget, and ensure standards of fiscal responsibility are met.

My philosophy on life
I believe in doing the right thing, saying no when you mean no, and that everyone has an opinion. There are always three sides to any point, and I try hard to see others perspective before forming an opinion. My opinions are not absolute and I’m always open to alternate, new ideas. I believe in thinking things through prior to making a decision. I believe in live and let live, don’t negatively impact anyone else’s life, we all have enough to do without others adding to the stress.

Why am i running for council?
I want my kids to grow, live, work and stay in the area when they’re older. I want Warringah to be a clean and safe place to live and work. That’s in my next blog.....I’ve run out of time...