How I Make My Day Count
Jamie, a third term City councillor for the Fendalton Ward, gave us an interesting talk on life with the CCC.
Starting with the earthquake travesty, Jamie suggested that as well as managing the ongoing recovery it also provides an opportunity for us to rebuild the city for the future.
Prior to joining the Council Jamie worked extensively in the property industry which he enjoyed. This was especially challenging following the earthquake and gave him the opportunity to manage new projects at a young age.
In becoming a council member Jamie experienced initial and ongoing baptisms by fire which he found motivating in terms of doing the best he could to make a difference.
As an example of some of the challenges faced Jamie talked about a project he was involved with promoting concerts by various artists twice-weekly.
Unfortunately this did not go ahead as the result of a faction that was concerned that this may result in damage to the landscape which clashed with Jamie's view that the project would have served the greater good at that time. Such are the nuances of council life.
Prior to Council life Jamie became an Executive Member of the CCBA which he loved. He had excellent people around him who were all focused on making a difference. This provided a great learning experience for Jamie that serves him well in his current role.
He also became involved in charities including the Cancer Trust plus ran for a position with a Community Board who he found were passionate, intelligent and focused.
Jamie developed a thorough knowledge of the property market but found that silos were holding him back and, as a result, he decided to run for the City Council.
In considering why he made this choice, Jamie came to realise it would be a privilege despite the pay being significantly less. The campaign was interesting. He decided to answer questions honestly and as a result was elected at age 25.
Soon afterwards the quake hit. This took a huge toll on many councillors as a result of the hard work, long hours and pressure that came with the challenges faced.
As Jamie has not been with the council before he didn't know what the “old normal” was and only knew the chaos of the post-quake environment which resulted in a large turnover of council members.
Jamie next commented on his role as a Board Member of Goughs where he learnt the value of working outside of the square every day.
Fast forwarding to 2018 the council is still dealing with the many challenges of the quake and in particular with the lack of a business focus being commonplace. Jamie feels we need a more commercial lens now as we are well past the "have to act" years.
Jamie's current motto is that the worst decision is no decision and that it is better to act and correct matters later rather than adopt a “paralysis by analysis” approach. Improved decision-making is now much more commonplace.
In thinking about why he decided to go with the Council for another term Jamie feels he has unfinished business as a result of his yardstick which is to help maximize returns to ratepayers as opposed to looking good in the Press.
This fits well with Jamie's overall driver of getting the best result he can for Christchurch to help the city become the best it can be.
With respect to the future, Jamie is currently keen to run once again in next year's election.
We thank Jamie for is insight into working with the Council and wished him well for the future.