Name of ticket or Independent: Glenn Taylor-Brock Skelton ticket, Group E. 

Are you a mayoral candidate? No.

Are you currently an Orange councillor? Yes, I am current councillor, Infrastructure Chairman, six-term deputy mayor and have been on council for 22 years.

Age: 56.

Family: I have two daughters: Caitlin 15 years old, Annie 8 years old.

What do you do for a living? I am self-employed in garden maintenance.

How long have you lived in Orange? I am a lifelong resident of Orange.

What is the best part of living in Orange? The people are the best part of Orange, also we have an enviable lifestyle and a great health service.

Why are you running for Orange City Council? I am seeking re-election to Orange City Council because I strongly believe that I have work to complete. I have had the privilege of serving the people of Orange for 22 years. During that period, I have been deputy mayor for six terms under four mayors. I am the current Infrastructure Chairman, I have overseen record budgets for roads and footpaths. All I can promise is to do my very best. I am a battler, I am a single father, I have a mortgage, I am self-employed, I know what it is like to struggle to pay the bills. I have always represented the battlers and I am determined, with the support of the people of Orange, to see the job through.

How would you assess the performance of the current council? I have been proud to have been a part of the current council under the leadership of John Davis. During this term, we have fixed the water shortage problem, by the raising of Suma Park Wall, construction of the Macquarie pipeline, Stormwater harvesting, and bores put down across the city. We have undertaken the largest roads program in the history of Orange, including the complete hot mixing of the Northern Distributor Road. We have allocated record funding for roads and footpaths.

If elected, would you lobby to reduce, maintain or raise rates? If you would reduce them, which services or council undertakings would you eliminate to do so? If I am elected I would do my best to maintain the current rate level. NSW has rate pegging, which is usually in line with CPI. It would be irresponsible if I were to claim I will reduce rates. During the last term of council, we have maintained balanced budgets or achieved modest surpluses.

Council has budgeted $17 million for roadworks in the next road-building season. Is this enough? Which roads should get priority? The current road budget of $17 million is a record road budget. During the last two years I have been infrastructure Chairman we have increased the road budget from $7.2 million. I would like to see another increase next year, but the allocation cannot be made in isolation. It must considered in the context of the entire budget. The priority roads should be: Forest Road from Huntley Road to the hospital; Leeds Parade from Dalton Street to the Northern Distributor Road; Cargo Road from Ploughmans Lane; and the Southern Distributor from Huntley Road to Blowes Road.

What is your plan for the Northern Distributor Road? The Northern Distributor Road has been completely hot mixed from Bathurst Road to Forbes Road, taking it to highway standard, I was instrumental in securing the original State funding for the NDR in 2003. The only major work to be completed now is to secure funding for the roundabout on the corner of William Maker Drive, Hill Street and the NDR. I am proud of my contribution to what I regard as one of the most important pieces of infrastructure in the history of Orange.

Do you agree with the industrial re-zoning at Orange airport? What should the space be used for in the future? I voted for, and fully support, the environmentally-responsible rezoning of the land at the airport. After the closure of Electrolux, Orange needs industry to provide long term, secure, permanent employment. The proposed business park may have a potential of providing 600 to 800 jobs.

What specific uses for the former Electrolux factory will you pursue or support? I believe the old Electrolux factory would be ideal for the State Government to convert into a rail maintenance facility.

Do you agree with real estate agents and property developers being on council? Why or why not? I do not believe in a democracy such as Australia we should discriminate any profession from sitting on council. Real estate agents and developers play an important role in economic development. There are strict rules and penalties that apply to pecuniary interest and conflict of interest laws in place that address this issue adequately.

What are the best ways council can help businesses prosper in the city? The best way that council can assist business is to continually lobby and secure funding from State and Federal Governments. To enhance infrastructure and assist in providing a strong, and healthy economy for business to operate in.

Is there enough parking in Orange? If not, where should additional car parks be constructed? Orange needs more parking in the CBD. I would like to see council convert the old netball courts in Moulder Park into all-day parking for CBD workers. Council could also partner with the Ex-Services’ Club to build more multi-story parking.

Do you support the proposed purpose-built sporting complex council has acquired land for to the north of the city? I support Wade Park to be our premier ground. I also support a multi-purpose facility, with many fields, to the north, particularly for junior sport, which brings millions of dollars into Orange each year.

Are there any major projects you would champion if you elected? If elected I will be working to complete the Southern Distributor Road, skate parks for north and west Orange, more hot-mixing of streets, a roundabout for the Northern Distributor Road, William Maker Drive, Hill Street, restore pensioner rebates and work with developers to free up more land for younger home buyers in Orange.