Hi, I'm Angela!
I'm a former small business owner, a parent, and a Tasman councillor for the past term – and I'm running as your Greens candidate for Deputy Mayor of Tasman Council.
I moved here 22 years ago from Victoria with my husband and young children, because we saw an opportunity to raise them in a place where the environment hadn't been degraded – where we could grow our own food, collect our own water, live a relatively low-footprint life, and where housing was still affordable. My husband and I ran the general store for 12 years, which was our way of taking responsibility for our family's income while staying connected to community and supporting local suppliers.
Social justice is by far what drives me most, and it has from a very young age. I grew up in a remote region in a low socio-economic family, where my parents worked for generational landholders and ended up with virtually nothing to show for 45 years of employment. Challenging the status quo, thinking outside the square and speaking up when others preferred you didn't, was the only way to progress in life. These days I've gained enough confidence to bring progressive ideas into decision making environments.
I'm nominating because diversity on Council is critical to balanced decision making. In past Tasman elections there's been a reluctance for people to nominate, which inevitably means very little choice for voters – last election the Deputy Mayor position was uncontested. I've been a dedicated Councillor for the whole of the last term, and I'd be honoured to serve in this role if the community chooses to elect me.
My focus is good governance, ensuring climate impact is embedded in Council decision making, equitable distribution of services and resources, continuous improvement, and collaborative governance that celebrates community-led initiatives.
See you on the campaign trail,
Angela
