WITH an overall 25 years of political experience, sitting ward 97 councillor, André Beetge believes that his work is far from done and seeks to be elected for a third term in office. He has 10 years of experience in local government, and the Democratic Alliance (DA) whip in respectively the finance and municipal public accounts committees and member of the party’s provincial executive. Beetge’s career started in the SAPS continuing into sales, manufacturing, corporate environment and business sector. His tertiary includes qualifications and experience in police administration, law, engineering, theology, politics, youth sports development and public administration. He claims it all culminated in preparing him to better serve his community.
“Experience has taught me that the public expects much more than the actual job description and albeit quite impossible to satisfy every expectation. I believe that the positives far outweigh the negatives and that it remains extremely important to separate popularity from reality.”
He said that his task is not to take a side or seek favour, but instead remain the custodian of systems, regulations, legislation and the well being of a community at large. ALSO READ: Five things to know about Local Government Elections
“Only by remaining guided by this, I am able to perform my duty, albeit often extremely difficult within a system and municipality where the majority of officials do not necessarily share the same values and beliefs. Unfortunately, the same often also applies to members of the community, as by human nature, people are antagonised when something doesn’t go in their favour. It brings us back to reality versus popularity, as in every argument there is inevitably an aggrieved party and who better than the councillor to bear the brunt or slander when things don’t go to expectation?”
According to him, opponents seek election based upon populist promises and then markedly so on matters beyond the municipal or local government mandate. Beetge said that he could only commit to extending his time, experience and effort in making the community where everyone lives, works, loves and plays a better place and an island haven within the ANC sea that surrounds the town on three sides.
“Despite our own and might we add the DA that we represent best intentions. We don’t necessarily get it right every time, but our track record in the ward, municipality and beyond reflects that we certainly get it right more often than not and most definitely more often than any of the others. We look forward to serving you for another term.”
ALSO READ: National, provincial and municipal elections explained
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