About me: Councillor Tony Reid

I was elected councillor for Buxted and Maresfield in 1997, having come to live here permanently in 1992.

But how did I get here?

I was born and raised in Australia, where I studied geology and pursued a career in the international oil industry. I met my wife when I came to work in the UK, although we have lived in many countries.

I became interested in local politics because I was concerned by the lack of positive attitude to service provision which we faced when trying to get access to services for our elderly parents.

I felt challenged to put something back into society. I still find it frustrating that local authorities have few discretionary powers when it comes to making decisions and very poor funding from the Government.

My community

East Sussex has enormous natural beauty and very warm, supportive neighbours. I think there is a good balance between development and quality of life.

Problems in this area are the speed and volume of traffic and the shortage of facilities for young people. Minimising council tax rises is also important as this can distress older residents on fixed incomes.

Representing your community is hugely rewarding if you can manage the frustrations. One area I have greatly enjoyed is focusing the Council’s environmental efforts.

My home life

My wife is a Sussex girl through and through which is why we returned here to settle down. We have two children – a son in New York and a daughter in the Bahamas with our two granddaughters.

My spare time

I am acutely interested in nature and man’s interaction with the natural environment.

Apart from my work as Deputy Leader of East Sussex County Council, I am also involved with environmental organisations.

I am a Conservator of Ashdown Forest, East Sussex Fire Authority, Regional Environmental Protection Advisory Committee, Vice Chairman of the Sussex Downs Conservation Board and the Woodland Enterprise.

Find out about my politics and how I represent the people of Buxted Maresfield