Beechmont resident, Tom Sharp, will stand as a candidate for Mayor of the Scenic Rim in the forthcoming local government election.
In making the announcement, Mr Sharp said he was responding to requests from people and organisations across the region.
“They’ve indicated they are desperate to see a change in a number of aspects, which currently form the governance of this Council.
“It has been overwhelming to receive these requests and in making a commitment to offer myself as a candidate.
“I also make a commitment to offer my best endeavours to support the changes of policy and culture which these approaches represent.”
Mr Sharp said that if elected, he may be a newcomer to the role of Mayor, he is not a newcomer to the business of Council.
“My family history extends a long way back, right across the region, not only in agriculture but also in local government with a number of family members having served.
“The earliest was my great great grandfather, J T Burnett who served as councillor and founding Chairman of Normanby Shire (Harrisville) and most recently my father, Geoff Sharp, who retired from office after 20 years of outstanding service to the constituents of Beaudesert Shire.”
Mr Sharp contested the 2016 election for Scenic Rim Mayor.
“I’m again putting my name forward to contest this office with the intention of winning and bringing fair dinkum change, with a common sense approach, back to the people.”
He added that his campaign would focus on issues such as fair rates for fair services, meaningful consultation, telling people what is happening in “straight language”, indicating to Council officers and staff that “we serve the constituency, not the other way round” and reducing reducing red tape through “removing the blockades and confusion … and giving a fair and timely response” to submissions and applications.
Mr Sharp was born in Beaudesert and after a career in stockbroking and funds management, he and his family returned to Beechmont as permanent residents.
“Council business is not unknown to me and the passion and legacy instilled into me by my ancestors lives on today,” he said..
“It is my unconditional commitment to vigorously return the governance of this region to its citizens via the elected representatives. It is time to get fair dinkum, apply common sense and provide the services the people want, effectively and efficiently.”
