We’ve provided a set of questions for the mayoral and councillor candidates to answer. First 25 words to an answer get posted. Check our 2013 Election coverage for all responses as they come in.

When we contacted candidates with our questions, we asked them to email a specific email address that all the ‘ista could access so that answers could be posted faster. This candidate didn’t use that email address. Hence the late posting.

After the jump, Jack Yan who is running for mayor

1. What should be the city council’s role in helping homeless people and beggars?

Support shelters, have an advocate for the homeless and beggars, assist with getting people into training, and help improve the jobs’ market.

2. What would you do to make Wellington more cycle and pedestrian friendly?

Greater pedestrianization, and have a few market weekends in the summer without cars in the inner city, just like during the movie premières.

3. How do you think traffic flow to the hospital and airport should be improved?

Encouraging public transport, by releasing the real-time data so we can visualize where buses and trains are. Other road users will get a better flow.

4. What are your views on the suggestion Wellington needs to be “more than just Weta and Government” – what do you think are Wellington’s strengths?

Wellington can grow business if we promote innovation and creativity. Strengths: our people. Wellingtonians are generous and smart. We have a great work–life balance.

5. What will YOU do to get more investment, businesses, and business confidence in Wellington?

Identify the highest-growth firms and be an advocate for them. Open export markets, and promote just how great we are. We need to think globally.

6. What does Wellington need more of, and what does Wellington need less of?

We need to value what we do more. We often don’t realize how amazing we are. We need less BS from less progressive politicians.

7. What would your city council provide for children and young people?

A commitment to child-friendly policies for education, health and welfare. Greater engagement with young people, including one on one via social media.

8. What steps would you take to encourage civic engagement?

Allow a different Wellingtonian each week to run the official city tourism account. Make public documents public and searchable. Webcast meetings where possible.

9. Tell us about your personal earthquake plan / What’s unusual about your earthquake kit?

We have safe spots in each room. There’s an old-school telephone that can be powered using the phone outlet, and not the 240 V.

10. Why should we vote for you?

If we need to build our creative and innovative sectors, we should vote in someone from those sectors who believes Wellington is world-class.

11. Where can we find out more about what you stand for?

Head to backjack2013.com. My manifesto’s been up since April. You can even watch the videos.