Brian Dawson balances multiple bottom lines on Council

Whether encountered in Marlborough District Council Chambers or elsewhere around Marlborough, Brian Dawson can give the impression that he’s all business.

He dresses the part – smartly attired, neatly groomed – and exudes a measured, mild manner. Business pervades his professional life: He’s manager of Business Trust Marlborough, Business Mentors and Angel Investors Marlborough.

Brian also is a Councillor, in his fifth term representing the Blenheim Ward, with a hefty portfolio. He chairs the Infrastructure and Community Facilities Committee and its subsidiary Civil Defence Emergency Management Group; Deputy Chairs the Finance Committee; and serves on the Strategy and Community Partnerships Committee, MDC Holdings / Airport board and various subcommittees.

All that is a part-time job.

His background in business informs his decision-making. Brian spring-boarded off managing the Marlborough Chamber of Commerce for his first election to Council. Yet, in the intervening terms, he’s considered multiple bottom lines, not just monetary, in how he views the entity and its operations.

“I’ve always been very mindful of affordability and rates, that we must do our best to keep Council services as affordable as possible,” Brian said over colas last Friday afternoon.

“But when I went in, I think I was a little naïve about an absolute crusade on keeping costs at a minimum at all costs. I’ve been on a learning journey – it’s about keeping rates reasonable, but often what people want are quality of services [and] facilities, and a community with a soul. It’s about being a wonderful place to live as much as it being cheap.”

‘Distinct crossovers’
Local government interrelates with business, sometimes overlaps, but is not the same. Brian describes Council as playing “an enabling role” for success, which in itself may have distinct metrics.

“The discipline of a balanced budget, good management, understanding risk – there are many parallels,” he observed. “Council is about, ‘Are people happy? Are they fulfilled? Are they leading the best lives they can? Are we thinking decades into the future about their desires and aspirations for their community?’

“There are distinct crossovers between business and Council,” Brian continued, “but Council has many aspects to it that are so, so different.”

Despite the various hats he juggles, the councillor says he still finds public service “a privilege and a pleasure.” Brian quips that he’s 5 for 5 in ward elections and 0 for 2 running for mayor – falling short to then-incumbent Alastair Sowman and, upon Sowman’s retirement, to John Leggett.

He holds current Mayor Nadine Taylor in high regard; same with Deputy Mayor David Croad and other colleagues who ring the Council table. The triennium has another two-and-a-half years to go, so a lot may transpire. In the interim, in any case, he encourages Marlburians to step up to leadership.

“For people who may be considering a venture into the local body politic,” Brian proposed, “I would say, ‘Your community needs you’.”