Danny King never thought he would go into local government. He had never been interested in playing political games in what he saw as an often thankless task.
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“I just don’t see myself as being that sort of person,” Mr King said. “I’m just not a political animal at all.”
However, Charleyong born and bred, Mr King believes his long-standing community involvement, including at least 42 years in the Rural Fire Service, will place him well to voice the needs of Braidwood and its outlying communities to the regional council.
“My main aim is to provide support to the community, without any political alignment and to look at everything and make judgement on things based on their own merit,” he said.
Mr King was a very vocal opponent of the Queanbeyan Palerang amalgamation. He decided to run when Administrator Tim Overall approached him to stand on his ticket.
While some might think it a bit odd he has chosen to stand on the ticket of a pro-amalgamation candidate, Mr King says he wants to build a way forward for the region.
His opposition to the amalgamation, enforced in 2016, was chiefly the boundaries initially proposed for a split merger, which would have split up the community, he says.
But now, “I consider that Tim’s done a pretty good job over the time that he’s been in the role as Administrator,” Mr King said.
“We’ve seen significant changes across the new council area since he’s been on board as administrator.
“Given that he’s been very good at doing what he’s been tasked to do, I was very happy to support him in his bid to keep going forward.
“It’s making sure that we move forward successfully, it’s got to work.”