Karen Toms – Clarence Valley meet your candidates

By Tim Howard

The Clarence Valley Council has gone into caretaker mode ahead of the September 14 election.

It’s given 17 community members, including six current councillors to stand for election.

The Northern Rivers Times has given all 17 a chance to introduce themselves to the electorate.

Sixteen of them have grabbed the opportunity. Phillip Provest did not reply to the invitation.

Karen Toms

Businesswoman Karen Toms is contesting her fifth council election after serving four terms on Clarence Valley Council.

My name is Karen Toms, I am self-employed and understand the importance of small business to the economy and jobs.

I successfully contested the past four local government elections.

Over the years, we have been on a journey setting good strategic direction in compliance with the Integrated Planning and Reporting Legislation, focusing on debt reduction in readiness to replace worn-out community facilities. The Grafton pool, the Treelands Drive Community Centre with a larger library for Yamba, the Maclean Civic Hall to a cultural centre with a 270-tiered seat auditorium.

I am working on better beach access, improved public transport for people in wheelchairs and mobility impairment.

I participated in the State Government’s Round Table discussions on this issue. A report is imminent.

Three key focus areas of our Disability Inclusion Access Plan (DIAP). Foster positive community attitudes and behaviours, increase the liveability of our communities, improve access to meaningful employment for people with disability.

On a personal note, I am a co-director of JKT & Sons Pty Ltd with my husband Jeff.

Jeff and I celebrated our 46th wedding anniversary this month. We have two sons, three grandsons.

I am a people person and have a serving style of leadership. I am curious and ask lots of questions.

I have a philosophy to take every opportunity I can, and never stop learning.

I have educated myself and extended my skill set since becoming a councillor. Local government is more complex than people think.

I am director of (CVCFS) Clarence Valley Community Financial Services Ltd t/a Bendigo Community Bank South Grafton and was recently appointed chairman of the board.

Following, some history I believe is relevant to my candidate profile.

• Member of ALGWA NSW branch
• Chair Clarence Regional Library
• Chair Clarence Valley Council Access Advisory Committee
• Mentor for Women in Business Program Department of State and Regional Development 2008
• Former Iluka Chamber President
• Presented for Iluka at the Premiers’ Conference “Building Communities” 2003 Town-life Project.
• Maclean Shire Council Economic Development Committee
• Board Member Clarence River Tourism Association CRTA
• Founding Board Member Kimberley College Ltd.

Questions

Ahead of the September 14 local government election we have asked all 17 candidates a series of questions testing their response to some of the major concerns of the community. Rates and what the council does with the money is a perennial issue.

Rates

1. Can you guarantee voters that you will not support a special rate variation (SRV) above the annual rate pegging limit in the next term of council?
2. If council can’t increase income via a rate rise, what can it do to balance its books?
3. How can councils help ratepayers with the cost of living issues facing communities?

Answer  1: No.

Answer 2: The only SRV that may come up over the next term is the Environmental Levy which was in last year’s Annual Operational Plan (prepare a business case ) and again in this financial year.

Interesting to note both times supported unanimously. However, that is not to be confused with approval  of an SRV.

Council’s books are balanced. We have budgeted a surplus.

Answer 3: By making sound decisions ensuring we don’t waste rate payers money with unexpected expenses.

Staying on track with budgets and always seeking efficiency savings in the way we deliver services to the community.

Read about all the councillors in this weeks edition of The Northern Rivers Times. For more 2024 Local Elections News, click here.