BEN Ladson will have a yarn with anyone. Husband, father, teacher and business owner of Gamer’s Resort in Maude Street, he is also a volunteer at several charities and sporting clubs and committed to seeing Shepparton prosper.
Mr Ladson sees the ever-increasing, disproportionate rates making the cost of living for everyone harder, especially in a lower socio-economic community with already significant disadvantage. He believes it discourages people to move to and invest in the area when comparing rates with other areas.
“During this pandemic, some of us have tightened our purse strings, but not our current Council, who have continued to charge rates in full, unlike some other councils, on top of forcing yet another rate increase to everyone despite the addition of many new residential estates adding extra revenue to the coffers,” Mr Ladson said.
“I want a rate reduction, and am willing to explore all options, but will need a majority of other councillors with the same intent.”
