What is your name, political party and electorate?
My name is Peter Kim. I am running in the West Ward of Ryde Council. I am the lead candidate for the Dr. Peter Kim Independents Team in the Group D.
Tell us about your background both personally and professionally
I am a local doctor at the Eastwood Skin Cancer Clinic and a part-time lawyer in private practice. I have previously served as the Deputy Mayor of Ryde Council. I live on Farnell Street in West Ryde, am happily married, and am a father of four children.
What are some things you love about your electorate?
It is a beautiful place to live. I love the people and the rich cultural diversity. This is a place where dreams can come true, full of vibrance and positive energy, where even someone like me, from a low socioeconomic background, has a shot at life and can make the most of it.
What do you believe are the 3 main issues affecting your electorate and why?
- Restoring Democracy: The current council, composed of Labor, Liberal, and Maggio Independents, voted to ban public members from speaking at council meetings. This undemocratic ruling must be reversed.
- Eastwood Car Park: The Glen Street Car Park, built in 1970, has long outlived its usefulness. We need to construct a new car park with hundreds of additional spaces to accommodate the growing population and support local businesses.
- Freezing Rates: The cost of living crisis is hurting many residents in Ryde. Despite this financial pressure, the Council has a plan to increase residential rates by $600 per year. It’s essential to support our residents during this difficult time by freezing rates.
What are the 3 key things you plan to achieve if elected?
– Progress on major projects
- Freeze rates.
- Build a new Glen Street Car Park.
- Reverse the ruling that bans ratepayers from speaking at council meetings.
What about your long term vision for the area?
I would like to see the council return to the basics and deliver essential services effectively. My vision includes improving the quality of life for our residents by fostering harmonious connectivity. I aim for the council to spend within its means, remain apolitical, and focus on “serving the community better by putting people first.”
Some of the ideas for west ward are:
✔️ Freeze residential rates
✔️ Freeze residential rates
✔️ Reinstate public council meeting participation
✔️ Get Eastwood car park built
✔️ Give back Denistone Bowling Club
✔️ Grow West Ryde Community Garden
✔️ Advance Shop Ryder services to Marsfield & Melrose Park
✔️ Provide dual footpaths on every street
✔️ Better traffic management in Melrose Park
✔️ Greener and cleaner open spaces
- Website: https://peterkim.com.au/2024-ryde-council-election-west-ward
- Email: peter@peterkim.com.au
- Facebook: www.facebook.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/drpeterkimryde/
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