Mayor With A Vision I Met Yesterday And Yet I Swallowed Up And Chewed On My Own Words!

Mayor Stephen Bali and John Svoboda

Not all Mayors can accept criticism as has been from myself, but was gracious in accepting my apology for blogs published before. I actually found out that it was never "chewing gum" it is little lollies that is supplied to all Councillors at Blacktown City Council Meetings. I am now swallowing and chewing on my own words"!

After meeting the Mayor of Blacktown yesterday, Mr. Stephen Bali, there is a couple of issues we agree on and others we stand on each different side, yet this is done is great conversation. 

There is a backlog of $80M as listed in this year’s Annual Financial Report, under Special Schedule 7, he would like to reduce substantially by the end of his Mayoral term next year. This is where we both agree, that if these are not reduced it is harder for Blacktown to progress and make further improvements catering for future plans to cover growth rate of 7% that Blacktown is receiving.

Mr. Bali and myself understand that Blacktown City Councillors are under a lot more stress where with a population each Councillor is looking after on average 21,800 resident ans ratepayers. Mr. Bali proposed for consideration that with future Blacktown City Council elections, in each Ward there should be elected another Councillor - who is fully paid in replacement of the existing 3 part-time three Councillors has time to go around each of there community to attend functions, community events, thus having more time spent with their local community. After I spoke to Mr. Bali, My thoughts were these Councillors could  have a title of Deputy Assistant Mayors (which in hierarchy  is below Deputy Mayor).

On Badgerys Airport, why can't we have a curfew of 11pm-6am  for flights similar to Kingsford-Smith international airport. Which way will the flight paths be going. If East-West then there is the water catchment area at Warragamba - what effect will pollutants have from the planes themselves and then it will also affect Blacktown Residents. Why can't flights be increased from 20 to 25 per hour at Kingsford-Smith International Airport and  have heavy/cargo rail from Melbourne to Sydney to Brisbane built as well.

Finally, he is looking as community consultation on important decisions that Council  makes decisions on and next year invite the community/business to an exhibition of the financial year, show where the money is coming from and going. As I stated, 'Like a Shareholders Meeting!'

It seems like Mr. Bali has a vision for Blacktown City Council and will be as passionate as he can to place  Blacktown City Council on a great map of success, with the assistance of all Councillors and officers!

Click here for Blacktown City Council Annual Reports 

Click for some details on the Western Sydney Airport 

Click Here for my previous apology blog