Meet the new Moray councillors (1)
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Jérémie Fernandes was voted in for the SNP in Elgin North for the first time in the local government elections in May.
Originally from France, he moved to Scotland in 2012 to teach at Aberdeen University before retraining as an information professional.
He came to Elgin seven years ago and works at Moray College.
He's delighted his employer is being flexible around his council duties.
Mr Fernandes said: "I knew what I was getting into. I knew most of the councillors through the party, so I was aware of what the workload would be and that I'd be working evenings and weekends.
"I’m quite lucky being in Elgin as there is only one community council where in other wards there are several."
Mr Fernandes has been irked by the length of time it takes to get things done in the local authority.
He said: "The pace of change in the council has been frustrating. Everything is slow.
"In that respect, the SNP group is trying to move things forward, and I have put forward notices of motion on the cost of living crisis and the school meals budget.
"People can’t wait for the next report to come forward."
One thing Mr Fernandes did not expect was the issues in the Conservative group following the elections.
Convener Marc Macrae stood down from the role after concerns were raised over his suitability for the job, and co-leader Neil McLennan left the administration as did the Heldon and Laich councillor James Allan.
Mr Fernandes said: "I was surprised after the election at the turmoil in the Tory group.
"Nothing was done for the first three months. Everything was on hold because of the situation with the leadership."
He added that this resulted in places on committees not being taken up.
This has still to be finalised following the resignation of Buckie Liberal Democrat councillor Christopher Price in August, which has prompted a by-election in the ward.
While Mr Fernandes is keen to see elected members take on their responsibilities he accepts the salary of around £19,000 a year is a barrier to some people standing for council.
He said: "If you’re working in a professional job you’d never go for council, but that’s the kind of people and individuals that’s needed – not just pensioners and party staffers.
"Being a councillor is an essential job and it’s a worthwhile job.
"I was dealing with someone who had a neighbour who was being very difficult and behaving antisocially, which was damaging their mental health.
"The fact I could intervene and flag it up with council officers helped, I think, to make someone’s life a bit better.
"Parts of my ward have the highest poverty levels in Moray, and I know a lot of people will be struggling with the cost of living crisis.
"I will absolutely make sure the council does its utmost to address that.
"I want people to know that someone cares."
