Jim Rinaldi
WARRENHEIP’S Jim Rinaldi believes he can bring one key thing to Ballarat City Council – common sense.
Mr Rinaldi also said his many years as a regional football coach had taught him to encourage, develop and communicate with people.
Concerns about neglect in Ballarat’s east have prompted Mr Rinaldi to stand in the south ward at the October 27 local government elections.
“We’ve had no representation on council. The east has just been neglected over the years, with all the development in the west and north,” Mr Rinaldi said.
“But if you neglect the east and the south, that affects the CBD as well.”
Mr Rinaldi, who runs a small business, said the council books needed to be better balanced.
“We need to get back to basics of what people expect. Councillors need to gain the respect of the people.
“People have lost confidence in both the council and the councillors.”
Mr Rinaldi said money spent on the failed Civic Hall proposal could have been better used to tidy up the Woodman’s Hill entrance into Ballarat.
His other concerns were with Lake Wendouree’s rowing course, the saleyards and Ballarat’s sporting venues.
“The City Oval is a magnificent venue and the home of the Ballarat Football League headquarters. It’s got the grandstand, the parking and the trees but work needs to be done to make it more user-friendly for multipurpose events that will bring more visitors to the city.”
Mr Rinaldi said he would also like to see local trades and businesses used, rather than outsourcing contracts.
“Using local people who are very successful in their own business will lead to an ongoing development of skills and expertise, creatinng jobs opportunities for people in the municipality, who in turn will spend more money in Ballarat.
“It’s about building skills for the next generation, keeping the dollars in the Ballarat community.”
fiona.henderson@thecourier,com.au