We offered to publish the answers from any candidates in the local body elections and Simon Marsh who is standing in the Eastern Ward has stepped up.

1. You have 30 seconds to convince someone to come to Wellington. What’s your pitch?
It’s a city with a beating heart and good people. You’ll love WOW, The Sevens, Te Papa, City Gallery, shopping and business opportunities.

2. How do you think traffic flow to the hospital and airport could be improved?
Safer cycling routes, wider roads, convenient and reliable public transport, progress on Basin Reserve/Mt Vic bottleneck.

3. Where do you stand on the issue of opening up government data?
All data? We compete in a global market, why tell the world our plans before we implement them.

4. What plans have do you have to improve recycling/composting facilities?
Roll on household recycling wheelibins. Offer each household one annual free dump pass for green waste only.

5. What is your policy on street alcoholics?
Support the Salvation Army and others that have the skill but few funds to help.

6. Do you support pedestrianisation of the Golden Mile? Why/Why not?
No, it’s impractical for an ageing population and also will incur major flow problems with public transport on the adjacent roads.

7. What’s the last local market you went to? What did you buy?
Chaffers, Broccoli.

8. Describe your bicycle, or your favourite bus route?
Two wheels, grey and No 11.

9. When did you last use the library, a community centre, or a council-run sports facility?
Tuesday.

10. Would you welcome a central government driven "super-city" amalgamation of local authorities? If not, why not?
No, however I do believe there is duplication of services across the region that could save money.

11. Do you think the council has a role in fostering community websites? If so, how?
“Community Websites” needs defining. “Yes” as part of councils community responsibilities. Through free internet and providing a site design template or setup assistance.

12. Where do you stand on water privatisation, and why?
Water is vital to our existence, we do not need to sell off what will become an increasingly valuable resource.

13. What city overseas inspires your vision for Wellington? How?
Many, each with a magic ingredient. Melbourne, art and events, Sydney tunnels that whisk you from airport to the city.

14. Is the concept of democratic representation important to you? How so?
Yes, if you want to have your say. That being the case don’t whine if you can’t be bothered voting.

15. What do you think about commuunity gardens on public land?
If the council provides the land and they are run and funded by a users co-operative.