I grew up in the Derwent Valley, where community service was a big part of our family life. Later, I became a founding member of the new Rotary Club and helped build up the Christmas Parade and revive the Autumn Festival.

I’ve run my own business and helped hundreds of other people start and grow theirs. It taught me how much people can achieve when someone is willing to listen, back them in and help clear the obstacles from their path.

That is how I believe Council should work. It should be a partner that helps our community get things done, not an obstacle standing in the way.

The Derwent Valley is where I chose to build my life and where my kids will grow up. I love this place, and I want to continue working for it.

I believe the Derwent Valley deserves a Council people can feel confident in. One that is open about its decisions, gives honest answers, listens before it acts and sees its role as helping people get things done. Council should work alongside residents, businesses and community groups, not make them fight their way through.

The Valley is growing, and the choices we make now will shape the place our children inherit. We need clear, long-term direction for housing, infrastructure, services, local jobs and opportunity, while protecting what makes this place special. I’m standing for Mayor to bring people together around that work, and I’m asking for your support to help build a Council our whole community can be proud of.