As shown by the small percentage of residents who bothered to vote in the past, Local Body elections have failed to fire up much public interest. However the portends are that the 2016 elections could be different.
To say that the Town Hall project has increased interest in Local Governance in the Martinborough Ward is probably an understatement. While in Featherston a numerically strong group has been busy raising perceived issues and expressing dissatisfaction in their elected members.
Added to the above quite a number of long serving councillors have indicated that they will be standing down. Hopefully having new options among the candidates will raise interest levels.
The incoming council will be faced with making a decision for or against amalgamation with the other Wairarapa Councils and in all probability negotiating the terms of such an amalgamation. For this election it will be important that we have councillors with the required management, communication and negotiating skills.
Make no mistake in any amalgamation negotiations the numerically superior Masterton negotiators will be wielding the big stick.
To be able make informed voting decisions it will be crucial that voters have a full understanding of the skills each candidate offers and his or her views on the important issues to be faced. Choosing a mayor and councillors is not just a matter of their having a nice smile or being someone you would be happy to share a beer or coffee with.
The Council is a multi million dollar operation, there is no place for a person who simply ‘sits quietly and eats his lunch’ – to quote an elected MP describing a List Member. It is to be hoped that a number of intelligent, thoughtful people with experience in business or a larger oganisation offer their services.
The Star will provide ample space for prospective Mayor and council candidates to provide both their personal profiles and, more importantly, the skills and opinions he or she would bring to the Council table. If you are a candidate please send your piece for publication to; beckett36%gmail.com
Mike Beckett
“One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors” – Plato
