Date: 19/06/2007
Councillor Emily Thrane wants High Peak Borough Council to be considered high performing by our local community, partners and peers.
The new Executive Member for Corporate Services and Member for Temple Ward said: "We will continue to innovate, in particular through the use of technology, so that the Council can do things better, faster and more efficiently, and also engage the public more effectively and extensively in our work."
As Executive Member for Corporate Services, Councillor Thrane"s role is to take the lead on improving the Council. Her corporate portfolio includes the day-to-day finances and administration of the Council.
She has no doubts about her approach to financial management, adding: "We will keep our spending strictly under control and will be constantly on the look out for ways of getting better value for money for council tax payers."
A sound business culture is essential, as she points out: "A strategic approach and robust measures, including risk management, emergency planning and business continuity, must underpin all our activities."
Councillor Thrane will also be constantly looking for ways of improving services to customers - "We want to respond to changing customer needs, in particular through the availability of online payments, and making more services available at the Council"s one stop shops," she said. "Council buildings should be fully accessible and welcoming."
Buxton-born Councillor Thrane has retired after a career in public sector management, including 13 years in local government in Stockport, Cheshire and Derbyshire. She lives in Buxton on White Knowle Road, and regularly walks her two pointer dogs in Grin Woods.
She is "absolutely passionate" about her hometown - "That is why I have stayed here for so long," she said. "There is a real feeling of optimism and excitement in Buxton at the moment.
"The Council must harness that and, by working creatively in partnership with others, ensure that its special characteristics and wonderful architectural heritage are secured for generations to come."
Councillor Thrane is also a great believer in applying common sense to local issues. Besides her corporate portfolio and looking after her Temple Ward constituents, she will be taking a keen interest in the Council's activities in Buxton. She is particularly keen to see the imaginative marketing of the Pavilion Gardens and a review of parking in the town.