AT AN age when most teenagers are preoccupied with study, parties or travel, James Reade has much weightier issues on his mind.
- THE FIRST-TIME CANDIDATE
The 19-year-old project officer with community development organisation Lead On is attempting to become the youngest person to win a seat on the City of Greater Bendigo council at next month's elections.
Mr Reade, who moved to central Bendigo from Axe Creek in Victoria last year, said he wanted to contribute a broader perspective and a more realistic approach to council's decision-making.
In announcing his decision to stand for election, the 2006 Bendigo Young Citizen of the Year described his hometown as an amazing place.
"It's large enough to be a city but small enough to keep that feeling of community, and I think that is important," he said.
"Bendigo has a lot to offer and it is important that we plan for the future. Bendigo needs to have a vision and a plan. Also a youth perspective."
Mr Reade said he would campaign on three main issues: lack of parking, night-time violence outside night clubs and poor planning in the city's central business district.
"I'll be getting in contact with people and hearing more about what their issues are as well so I can be their voice at the table," he told The Weekly Times.
"I want to be a voice for young people but also for commonsense . . . looking towards the future, not just the present."
As well as undertaking the Loddon Murray Community Leadership Program, Mr Reade is a director of the Bendigo Umpires Association, treasurer of the Bendigo Bluelight Committee and on the committees of several community groups, including a skateboard club.
