Mark Jones has entered the race for Benalla Rural City Council, putting his name forward for the upcoming local government elections.
His priorities are to focus on assisting local people facing cost-of-living pressures and is keen to use his experience in the business world to have a positive effect on the Rose City.
“My big thing is, I think in the current climate, I'd like to see local government look towards a possible rate freezes for a year or two,” he said.
“And simple little things that can help out people, like a tip pass with your rates notice.
“If we can save somebody $150, well, that's $150 they've got in their pocket that they can try and at least offset some of the pressures that are currently affecting everybody.”
Mr Jones said it would also be money they could spend to support the local economy, another area he is keen to help with.
“I must say that as far as the council goes at the moment, I believe they're probably doing a great job,” he said.
“But I think governments in general need to start looking in a mirror before they look to people to raise more revenue.
“I come from the private sector. I currently work for a company looking after Australia and New Zealand, and I tell you, it's much easier to look inward on where you can save money, rather than looking at how you can increase your income.
“I think governments in general need to look inwards because for a long time, and I'm probably talking state and federal here, there just seems to be no accountability on public expenditure.
“And I think people in general need to understand that a government does not make money. They allocate and spend money.”
Mr Jones said prior to working in the private sector he had a military background.
“So I am big on accountability and transparency,” he said.
“If somebody makes a decision that costs a lot of money, well, they better be accountable for it.”