Time to move on, says council veteran

Time to move on, says council veteran

Veteran district councillor Ross Brannigan will have served his community at the council table for 12 years – four terms – come election time later this year. It’s time for him to hang up his hat and move on, he says.

“My business, in emergency management, is getting busier and busier and I’d like to have more time for other things such as fishing.

“Being a councillor is a full-time job now. There is more and more to read for every meeting. It won’t be over for me when I step down. I always had an interest in council politics and I will be watching the council and the next person representing Foxton.”

Ross has often bemoaned the lack of public interest in council proceedings, firmly believing that what council does affects everyone, However, he says people are missing the chance to participate.

In recent time the fluoridation of town water was a big issue that brought out the public, but often decisions glide smoothly under the public gaze, he says.

“It would be great if people had more interest. Sometimes the public gallery is empty. I would love to see more people take part.”

The current issue is what to do about local waters, which will affect the community for years.

“While it is hugely complex the council team has done a great job creating the consultation document. Everyone should be able to understand that.”

Keen on community work for much of is life, Ross recommends running for a council seat.

“For me it was just a different way to serve my community.”

He came to the region from Palmerston North/Feilding to be a policeman, first at the Foxton Beach and later at Foxton itself. Soon after he quit the police force he got shoulder-tapped by someone who suggested he should consider running for council.

Ross sees great opportunities for Foxton with the arrival of the Horowhenua expressway, and all shops on the town’s main street are now occupied, for the first time in years.

Which means businesses are already seeing the expressway opportunity, too.

“We need to find a way to capitalise on that. There are opportunities for tourism, and the environment for Foxton and more jobs will mean we keep our young folk here.”

He admits that Foxton is a different town and community than 25 years ago when he first arrived.

“Growth is challenging though, especially given it is happening very fast.”

He has been grateful for the community support over the years for his role and he has enjoyed representing the Kere Kere Ward for those 12 years.

“The council has achieved a lot in recent years and I think we are as ready as we can be for the future.”

So, soon he will be able to concentrate on his business and trying to bag the odd marlin, perhaps.