I am standing for the Whau Ward as an independent under our own brand of "Voice of the People". I have no Party political affiliations and will bring an independent oversight and perspective to Council decision making. As a committed Christian, I treat everyone equally with love, compassion and empathy. I bring many terms of previous service here in Auckland and Canterbury on Local and Community Boards, so I know local body workings. Council is dominated by political party ideologies and has not produced productive decision making for our communities. Rates monies are delivered to groups based on their popularity with party candidates rather than what they provide to our communities, and wastage is rife causing substantial unnecessary annual rates rises. I will hold bureaucratic decision making accountable, such as the proliferation of speed tables and bumps everywhere, and stand up against the behind 'closed door' rubber stamping by committees.