New Councillor Introduced

New Councillor Introduced

One of Harrow's newest councillors - Golam Chowdhury - talks about his time before politics and the things that make him tick.

Q: How have you found your first year as a councillor?
A: First and foremost, I have always been interested in local politics and I would like to thank my constituents for elected me at the last election. As a new councillor, I have been concerned with learning the ropes and doing my level best to use my past experience to best affect in my new job.

Q: What did you do outside of politics?
A: For 23 years I worked for NatWest bank in the dealing room. But I have always had a passion for helping people. 18 years ago I set up the first of two community day centres - one in Stanmore and the second I recently set up in Pinner. The concept is simple: it is a place where people can meet, socialise but, mostly importantly, it is free apart from one pound for a hearty meal. I am also an active member of the Harrow Central Mosque committee. Working as part of their outreach and liaison function with local communities. I also love cricket, football and I have a beautiful wife and two daughters who are both married.

Q: I see you have been promoted to Cabinet Assistant for Housing and Diversity, what does that entail?
A: This is fantastic. I work with the Cabinet member, Camilla Bath, trying to help and resolve residents' housing concerns. I find this hugely rewarding by combining my ability to speak many languages with my desire to truly help people.

Q: If you could change one thing in housing policy, what would it be?
A: I feel passionately that we need more social housing to help support the least fortunate in society, as opposed to affordable housing, which I believe, neither helps develop or sufficiently meets the needs of society.

Q: What would you do to improve the Council?
A: I would further improve the customer care. I always reply as promptly as I can and I would expect all Council employees to do the same.

Q: What's the most satisfying thing about being a councillor? And what's the most frustrating?
A: The most frustrating thing about being a councillor is the lack of room for manoeuvre in running local services. A never-ending flurry of overblown announcements concealing chronic under funding seem to dictate our every move. The best bit about being a councillor is the positive difference I try to make to people's lives. However the difference may be I will continue to fight your corner wherever and whenever possible.