Jamie Cregan, centre, will be running for mayor at the next election. Neil Thompson, left and Chris Newman will run for council as Cregan Independents.
QUEANBEYAN Business Council president Jamie Cregan wants to be the next mayor.
Mr Cregan is running for mayor in the upcoming local government elections. It is his first time running for council and he is joined by Neil Thompson and Chris Newman to stand as the Cregan Independents.
Mr Cregan said he was running for council because he felt the organisation could be run more efficiently.
‘‘We’re running because we believe council works can be done better, council could have more of a business focus without neglecting the community,’’ he said.
‘‘We want to listen to the community, plan for the future, make every dollar count and we can reach our potential.’’
A local businessman by day, Mr Cregan is applying his knowledge and wants to see the council corporatised. ‘‘Basically it’s turning council’s works area into a business but it is still run by the council ... instead of using out-of-town contractors we’ll be putting savings back into the community,’’ he said.
‘‘We believe we can increase the workforce without increasing costs and deliver more.’’
Mr Cregan has 28 policies outlined on his website including removing the special rate variation, better use of sporting and community facilities and creation of a youth group. He said he was very passionate about the area as his family stretches back to the 1840s. ‘‘I want the community to have pride living in Queanbeyan, we don’t see Queanbeyan as part of Canberra, we’re separate,’’ he said. ‘‘I want to see more linkages between Jerrabomberra, Queanbeyan and surround communities and recognition we’re all part of the same council.’’
