George, a long-time Melville resident and former federal minister, is certainly highly qualified for the position of Mayor. He was a federal MP from 1983 to 1996. During this time he was Government Whip from May 1990 to March 1993 and Assistant Treasurer from 1993 to 1996. He started working life as an apprentice electrician progressing through as a teacher of electrical trades before running for Parliament. George's experience through contesting four close federal elections, taught him "the power from listening to people". During the council elections he doorknocked around 3000 residences and businesses. Now that he is mayor he plans to invite 250 ratepayers each week to his office to continue "listening to the people". He is hoping for around a 10% response to his weekly invitation.
George was asked if he would be accessable through social media, especially for time-poor business people. George admitted he was not very active on social media except for keeping in touch with his son and daughter who both live overseas. His preference is communicating face to face, however digital access to him would be availabe through his council support staff.
George said he would be asking council to measure their service delivery and administative costs to drive giving ratepayers better value for money and mending relations with residents. He would also be seeking professional advice on residents' concerns on getting good value for space from developers (especially involving high-rise projects in the Canning Bridge precinct).
President Barry discussing our project 'AMR Aware' with Mayor Gear