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.

Here’s the response from Milton Hollard, candidate for Lambton Ward

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

To support the DCM, etc  identify individuals’ issues and get them referred accordingly, if they’ll accept help (not quite  a police state yet).

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

Separate cyclists and pedestrians  from vehicular traffic wherever practical. Add to cycleway network on key routes, where sufficient demand, and topography and cost allow.

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

Priority bus lanes.  Look again at light rail, not  terminating in Kilbirnie as the flawed study indicated and without extra tunnel posited.

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 needs to diversify where can. Strengths: its natural attractions and learning and cultural opportunities.   A tramway from Kent Terrace up to Mt Victoria?

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

Advocate keeping rates increases within inflation and try to keep them competitive. Don’t single out businesses by imposing the downtown levy. Approach knowledge-intensive businesses.

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

A more positive attitude and less whingeing.  More  visitors to stay, shop and see. Bring back the Cuba Street Carnival.

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

Restore the reduced library services to children and extend hours (for everyone). More playgrounds, including youth playgrounds (roller- blading, etc.). Youth drop-in centres  if demand.

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

Keep the Council surveys “have your say”. Develop  personal consultative arrangements with residents associations and community groups, including youth, in Lambton Ward.

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

Drop,  cover (under the sturdy dining room table), hold.  Nothing unusual, but lots of water and tinned food, plastic bags for waste.

10. Why should we vote for you?

Because I’ll try to make the Council more responsive— officers on tap, not on top. And I’ll put in the necessary  time and effort.

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

www.wellington/elections/candidates, then click on my name.