Dear Division 7 Resident,

My name is Bill James and I am running for election on April 28, 2012 as your Councillor in Division 7 - Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast City Council.

I am a father of five, the youngest, Séylah, is two, I have two older sons and a daughter who live and work abroad, and my partner Tracy and I recently welcomed little William (Billy) James Jnr on February 17.

I am very aware of the impacts the current outrageous cost of living and economic downturn are having on families, especially if breadwinners are out of work.

Division 7 embraces everyone from the elderly to the young, from tourist strip accommodation owners, to the business people of Bundall and the residents beyond and I want to help you all!

I am dedicated to helping you all by doing everything possible to boost business, reduce council inefficiency and cut costs and I will call for a major overhaul of council policies and procedures that do not promote growth.

Meeting the challenge

The new council will be left with many challenges demanding strong leadership and business acumen and an understanding of the cyclical history of the City, its economy and structural changes required to build business and create growth.

This is without doubt the most important election in the history of the City and I do not take on my proposed obligations without a strong commitment and the energy to succeed.

I would be delighted to receive your input, so please contact me on 0411 699 969.

WH (Bill) James