NEW TEAM: Steve Procter (right) with his independent team of Gloria Green and Ken McGregor.
Steve Procter is a firm believer in listening to residents’ issues and fixing them.
With this outlook the councillor needed a team to run with him in September’s local government election that was focused on Maitland people, and he has chosen Gloria Green of Millers Forest, and Ken McGregor of Thornton, because they are focused on Maitland people and committed to improving the city.
“The beauty of us being independent is that we are governed by the people,” he said.
“We are not bound by a decision because we are a member of a political party and we’ve got the freedom of listening to people.
“We know the local issues and we’ve all had a lot of experience in the community – we have a strong community background.”
Mr Procter has been a councillor since 1999 in north ward and understands Maitland issues.
“It’s a huge commitment to be a councillor and it’s important to be approachable,” he said.
“A lot of people have contacted me over the years about various issues and we have been able to get results without a long, drawn out process.”
Mrs Green, who works in Woodberry, is a community leader who Mr Procter said was trustworthy and approachable.
This is the second time she has run for council under Mr Procter.
She is involved with several community initiatives including the Millers Forest Progress Association and the Northern NSW Justices of the Peace Maitland branch.
Mr McGregor has lived in the Maitland area since 1978 and has been in Thornton for 11 years.
He has been a member of Maitland Leagues Club for almost 10 years and Mr Procter said he, too, was approachable and keen to make a difference in the community. This is the first time he has run for council.
“Since my daughter started school three years ago I have become involved in school activities and helped the P&C I enjoy talking to people and I know the local issues,” Mr McGregor said.
Mr Procter has invited people to speak to him and his team about their issues.
The team is aligned with Peter Blackmore’s independents.
Mr Procter will be number one on the ticket, Mr McGregor number two and Mrs Green number three.