Division: Ipswich City
Name: Chris Smith
Current job: I am an entrepreneur and like pushing the boundaries looking for potential new business opportunities, a skill I want to utilise as Mayor of Ipswich.
I work as the editor and publisher of a magazine I founded, Australian Custom Trucks.
I also co-founded Haulin’ Apparel with a truckie Stephen Proglio. We have two sides to that business. The first is ecommerce with both our Haulin’ Workwear and Haulin’ Apparel websites that sell quality clothing and PPE. The second side of this business is creating cool designs for businesses, sporting clubs and for event merchandise. You could say I wear several hats and design them too.
At the same time my background is communication and marketing so I utilise those skills by working as a media consultant creating public relations material and advising customers of the most cost effective ways to market their products. My motto is getting customers “the best bang for their buck”.
Do you live in your division? Yes
Political affiliations (please include the names of any parties you have previously been a member of and when that membership ceased):
I haven’t been a member of a Political party.
Have you run in any elections (local, state, federal)
before? Please list:
This is my first time running for any election.
Have you ever attended a council meeting? If so, how often?
No, I haven’t. I am like most voters; I never had any grievance with the council so there was no reason for me to take an interest before.
Tell us what you believe the core role of a councillor is (50 words):
I believe the role of a councillor is to look out for the best interest of the residents and the region. This includes ensuring the council is run with integrity and fairness as well as being fiscally responsible. It should promote growth and opportunity and listen to all stakeholder concerns.
Sum up your vision for the city (100 words):
My long-term vision of Ipswich is a city that is the benchmark for best practice when it comes to looking after its residents by providing safety, opportunity and inclusion. I want people that grow up here to want to stay in Ipswich and raise their children here because we have attracted businesses and developers to create infrastructure that translates directly into sustainable employment opportunities, education, healthcare and ultimately facilities that ensure our elderly and most vulnerable have the adequate resources that they need.
I see Ipswich as the region of choice for businesses and people to migrate to.
Sum up your key priorities for your first 100 days in office (100 words):
My priority will be to meet with the CEO and the elected
representatives to ensure we have a clear direction of the demarcation of
responsibilities of the newly elected council and start the training and
induction to ensure transparent governance.
For the other 99 days I haven’t got the space in 100 words for everything but
here are some things:
- Invite unsuccessful candidates to be a part of a consultative committee (Think Tank)
- Complete changes suggested by the Administrator
- Create a priority list of community needs
- Meet with as many stakeholders involved in growing the region.
Why are you running for council? (100 words):
I was disillusioned with the last lot that was in power. It is the right time
to bring someone in that isn’t associated with community groups, political
parties, sporting clubs or peak bodies and associations so the decisions made
are based on facts, not mates. My story
is of a working-class man that wants to work for his community. I also want to
forgo 25% of the salary to put into a community fund to help the community. I
want to make life easier for my family and yours.
