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, Simon Marsh for Eastern Ward.

1.    What should be the city council’s role in helping homeless people and beggars?
We all have a responsibility to care for the vulnerable. Council should continue to support specialist agencies City Mission, Sallies, Presbyterian Support

2.    What would you do to make Wellington more cycle and pedestrian friendly?
Avoid cross hatching in the centre of streets, share existing pedestrian ways with bikes. In new road projects allow for separate cycle/ pedestrian ways.

3.    How do you think traffic flow to the hospital and airport should be improved?
A second Mount Victoria tunnel, improved Goa street and Wellington road and Ruahine street intersections, Separation of East/West and North/South basin reserve traffic.

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?
Public service fluctuates in size depending on the government. Film is a fragile industry needing sustainability. I see potential in a digital, IT, film educational hub

5.    What will YOU do to get more investment, businesses, and business confidence in Wellington?
Focus on removing or minimising the barriers that prevent productive businesses setting up in Wellington (or the region).

6.    What does Wellington need more of, and what does Wellington need less of?
Champions that tell the world that this is a great city, more people with a positive attitude, less people that want to stop almost everything.

7.    What would your city council provide for children and young people?
A safe exciting city that has its challenges and opportunities. Ultimately council must encourage business so the young will have a job.

8.    What steps would you take to encourage civic engagement?
Personally I take the “Swampy Caravan”  into the community to engage. In council we need to continue the work to bring communication and engagement together.

9.    Tell us about your personal earthquake plan / What’s unusual about your earthquake kit?
The “Swampy” caravan” is our emergency shelter, our cars are equipped with emergency backpacks, our garden shed contains emergency supplies. Remember your gardening gloves.

10. Why should we vote for you?
I can do the job! During my first term I’ve learned plenty and achieved successes. With a second term I can get on with it.

11. Where can we find out more about what you stand for?
simon@swampymarsh.co.nz or phone me I’m happy to talk with you 021-922-196