By Gurbir Singh:
ACT Local candidate from Hamilton East Ward is assuring to work towards bringing accountability back to council, if elected.
Aspirant to one of the 12 seats on the Hamilton City Council, Preet Raj Singh Dhaliwal says “It’s time for accountability, sensible priorities, and a council that works for the people, not against them.”
Talking exclusively to NewsViews, Dhaliwal wanted to send a strong message that Hamilton deserves better.
“Hamilton needs a council with common sense. It’s time to slam the brakes on wasteful spending and put ratepayers first.”
Father of two young kids, and one who had a short stint in army also, Dhaliwal gets highly emotional while talking about the mess the current council is in currently due to heavy debt.
“Without ACT Local candidates at the table, Hamilton City Council will continue down the same path of wasteful spending. Together, we can put a stop to that and build a city that is responsible, sustainable, and puts people first,” he adds.
NewsViews asked Dhaliwal the reason he was standing as a political party candidate rather than an independent.
“For me, it’s about accountability. As an ACT Local candidate, I’m accountable both to my party and to the people of Hamilton. That means being upfront about decisions, explaining the reasoning behind them.”
The Auckland-born IT graduate from AUT and now a the hospitality sector employer, displays confidence about his experience and traits.
Among the qualities that he says he would bring to the council table include “strong sense of community connection, background in small business, and pragmatic, results-driven leadership.”
On a NewsViews question about his main priorities if elected, Dhaliwal said “My top priorities would be to address the key issues of delivering safer streets, better infrastructure, and housing policies that support economic growth.”
Dhaliwal is keen to stop double-digit rate increases. “Time and again, ratepayers have been let down by Hamilton City Council with outrageous rates hikes, poor public services and wasteful spending,” Dhaliwal says.
Preet Dhaliwal is also eager to promote tourism, and what is a better place to start than Hamilton, he says. “Hamilton should be a destination, not just a stopover. I’ll aim to push for tourism growth that puts our city on the map and helps our local economy thrive.”
Born to a Malaysian father and an Indian mother, Dhaliwal is feeling privileged to have additional support of various ethnic groups.
“I’ve been trying to reach as many members of the local Ham East community as I possible can. I’ve been attending election-related events, going around shopping centres, and visiting old-age homes.”
Dhaliwal who doesn’t support separate Maaori Wards, is ready to face challenges and bring a fresh perspective, but it depends upon the Oct 11 results that. He hopes will favour him.
Also Read: https://www.newsviews.co.nz/six-seats-and-27-candidates-tough-decision-for-hamilton-east-voters/ https://www.newsviews.co.nz/large-turnout-at-meet-candidates-event-by-ncwnz-for-hamilton-voters/
