Mr Toms has eight years’ experience as a Councillor on Glen Innes Severn Council (2004 – 2012) and seven years of those as Mayor. 

In 2012 Mr Toms took on the role of NSW Cross-Border Commissioner for nearly three years.

Mr Toms said he wants to provide consistent community representation and leadership.

“The Glen Innes Severn Council has been disciplined to gain a much stronger financial position to improve necessary infrastructure, particularly roads, for our community,” he said.

“It is important that we have stability and strong leadership to deliver those gains.

“Strategic planning is a critical role for Councillors, as it is the only way to set targets and show progress towards them.”

Mr Toms has a background in public land management and has a Bachelor of Science (Forestry) degree and he has managed state forests and more recently national parks.

Toms said he will look at the issues presented to council from all sides of the equation.

“I look at issues from different sides, I am analytical, constructive, considered and level headed in my interactions and decision making,” he said.

“Often there is a lot of emotion behind issues and that needs to be worked though first.

“I have much practical experience in this community, in budgets, engineering, government processes, legislation and I am able to work with people and management.”

Mr Toms said Local government operates under NSW State Government legislation and it is important to be able to understand the constraints and boundaries that Local Government has to conform to, as well as the opportunities available.

“In my previous terms, I have focused on integrating the newly amalgamated Council and encouraged necessary sewerage and water treatment upgrades, the Glen Innes water storage solution, encouraged new economic developments and strategic planning for future delivery,” he said.

“Going forward, I would like to continue to give to our community and be part of a Council that is focussed, sincere and looks at the best interests of our community.”