Last weekend, thejournal.ie posted an excellent article suggesting some questions that voters could ask candidates if and when they call to their door over the course of the Local Election campaign.
http://www.thejournal.ie/
What do you know about how councils work?
I have been a Councillor for the past five years, before that I worked as an aide to both an MEP and a TD after graduating with an MA in Political Science in UCD. The Council is the place where local issues are resolved and immediate services are provided. Being a Councillor requires me to be the conduit between Council officials and the electorate, becoming a Councillor in 2009 was not a completely new experience to me but I have been able to learn a lot since then where I feel comfortable that I am fulfilling my duty to the maximum of my ability,
Have you ever been to a council meeting? How often will you attend?
Yes, as often as is possible, my attendance rate from 2009 – 2014 was 76%, I would like to improve this.
What is the best way to contact you directly?
Email: neale.richmond@gmail.com
If I have a problem, why should I contact you and not a local TD?
If your problem is Council specific it would be best to contact me as I have daily informal and formal interaction with the Council officials as well as the power to place motions, questions and amendments. I work closely with the two Fine Gael TDs in our area and if required I will bring them in to help with issues.
How do you intend to work to reform local government?
I would like to see Council meetings held a more flexible times so as to allow people from a wider range of backgrounds to seek election to and attend the Council. I intend to push for more openness and transparency in terms of payments, tenders and decisions. I have lead in this area by putting all payments I have received on my website every year while demanding that the Council gets value for money on a range of outsourced services.
What are your ‘red-line’ issues when it comes to budget votes?
I will be pushing for a reduction or at least a freeze in both the Local Property Tax and Commercial Rates while protecting front line services.
Will you be working to reverse water charges or working to see them implemented correctly?
I will work to see them implemented correctly.
Will you support me if I make a decision not to pay?
No.
If I have a problem with the water service I’m now directly paying for, how will you help me deal with Irish Water?
I will direct you to the appropriate channels and necessary intervene myself.
If you support the introduction of water charges, what do you consider a fair charge? Will you campaign to keep it below that level?
I think a scheme based on usage is very important and the average charge of €250 seems ok to me but I think incentives need to be given for people to use less water except in certain cases based on need.
I’m struggling to pay my rent, what supports are available for me?
Rent Allowance is the main support in this area but there is also the Mortgage Interest Supplement and there are also exceptional needs payments through the Community Welfare Office. However, if you need help dealing with your landlord there is also the Private Residential Tenancies Board.
How could the council better provide local authority housing?
I would like to see a greater roll out of the Rent to Buy scheme for a start and a greater role for Councillors in dealing with the many voluntary housing associations. Partnering with other bodies such as Habitat for Humanity could also quicken the pace of refurbishments and repairs.
Are you concerned about rising property prices?
To an extent yes but much of it seems to be the market returning to a level of normality and I hope to see prices plateau. However, there is a shortage of family homes in the Dublin suburbs while there is a need for more commercial units in the city centre.
Are you in favour of the local property tax?
In principle I would prefer a local rates scheme but I accept it as a condition of the bail out and I would like to see its potential fully used while possibly looking at a more equitable way of calculating the rate.
The Government have promised that the local property tax is ringfenced to provide local service, how will you hold them to account on this?
I have already had lengthy correspondence and received commitments from the relevant Minister on this issue while I will work with the County Management team to demand that 80% of LPT collected in my County is returned to the Council for use.
How do you rate the Government’s performance?
Fair to good.
In what areas have they failed to deliver on promises?
I am happy with the economic revival of the country but I will like to see the pace of political reform increased while I have been disappointed in the clarity of communication.
If you had the power, what one Government policy would you reverse?
I would like to abolish the USC.