Wikipedia talk:Articles for deletion/Russell Bate

I have not contributed previously, although I am a frequent user of, and regular donor to, WP. I was surprised to see negative comments about Russell Bate, whom I have come to know reasonably well over many years and in various capacities. We can all have issues with people but I fail to see how any of this rather short bio entry could possibly be controversial. Mr Bate was a very successful business executive and, since his retirement, has devoted considerable time and personal resources to a rather impressive range of community issues and concerns, from Musica Viva and the ABC Board to natural resource management issues, including Field & Game and the Country Alliance. He is not a time-server: he is a contributor, and highly valued. His service to the Jamieson community through his local school support and his long service in local government has been quite outstanding. I became aware of Mr Bate's contribution in the course of my long-established role of Editor-in-Chief of the McPherson Newspaper Group, a family business based in Shepparton, northern Victoria for the last 130 years. Although my contact with Mr Bate has not been substantial or regular, my staff and I would regard him as an outstanding and accomplished citizen, one who uses his skills, knowledge and contacts to bring considerable value to his community. I am happy to debate Mr Bate's entry with anyone with the courage to use their name. I strongly urge you to maintain n the entry - indeed, add to it.

Best to WP for 2018

Ross McPherson


 * I have copied your comment above to the deletion discussion page here. It is more likely to be seen and responded to there. Please post any further comments to that page, as the discussion becomes fragmented if it is carried out in different places. --bonadea contributions talk 09:28, 30 December 2017 (UTC)