It’s coming up to that time of year again when mayors, councillors and community board members must stand for election. For candidates, it is like applying for a job which has the whole community as the interview panel, so it is no wonder that many find that prospect just too daunting.
To encourage people to stand for local government various advertisements are popping up urging you to ‘Take a Stand’, ‘Have Your Say’, ‘Get Involved’ and many other catch phrases which seem to infer that local government is somehow a noble cause when actually it can be hard work requiring a thick skin
Some ask if these advertising campaigns are a good use of ratepayer’s funds and others argue that anything that invokes interest in local politics is a good thing. The truth is that all councils in New Zealand are required through legislation to participate in these promotions, either individually or through the Local Government New Zealand campaign. It is interesting that Central government sees no such need to encourage people to stand for parliament with all that left to parties with little room for independents.
Fortunately, there is still little party politics in local government except in the bigger cities. The people that put up their hand often do so because they genuinely want to contribute to society or they disapprove of something that has happened in the community. If there has been controversy and unpopular decision making then it is likely that the list of candidates will be longer than if there has been relatively plain sailing, so to speak.
Then once the list of candidates is revealed the next challenge is getting people to vote. Local Government has a very low voter return. This is sad given that most are affected by local government every day of their lives even if it is simply by driving on a road maintained by their local council.
Local Government matters and it can be extremely rewarding. If you are considering standing however, it pays to remember that when elected, you are one vote at the table. One vote is not enough to slash rates or get your pet project over the line. You will need to build support, compromise and sometimes admit that you got it wrong. It’s not always easy being a local government representative.
The upside though is that local government can and does make a difference and you can be directly involved in that. For me I love it and I’m definitely chucking my hat in the ring again for Greater Wellington Regional Council.
As this is my last column before the election it is fitting to say a big thank you to the Martinborough Star. You supply a great platform for locals to have their say and be informed. With luck and a fair wind I hope to be back writing again for you all in the November issue.
