Vote for the blockhead of your choice
Disclaimer: that's a Peanuts reference, rather than a comment on the quality of candidates. Ahem.
Nominations for local body elections closed last week, and the candidates are all listed on the WCC website (residents of other Wellington Territorial Authorities should find them on their respective council sites). While it can be argued that the choice of Mayor is less important than the composition of the council as a whole, it's certainly the role that generates the most heat. So, here's a full list of the mayoral candidates, followed by a call to action:
- Ray Ahipene-Mercer
- Paul Bailey
- Carl Gifford
- Rob Goulden
- Nick Kelly
- John McGrath
- Bryan Pepperell
- Kerry Prendergast
- Helene Ritchie
- Jack Ruben
- Nick Wang
Other than sitting councillors and John McGrath, I don't know much about the candidates. I'm sure you'll find plenty of comments about Kerry P on the Wellingtonista, and I've mentioned McGrath in passing on WellUrban, with the odd reference to Jack Ruben as well. But here's your chance to comment sagely, speculate wildly or just generally vent spleen. Here's a starter for ten: if you don't like the incumbent mayor, who can and should get the numbers to unseat her?
I like Ray, too: I've had dealings with him regarding waterfront issues, and while he came in sort-of on the side of the Waterfront Watchers, he's become much more pragmatic and he's not one of the "grass good, buildings bad" crowd. His reputation as part of the "Save Moa Point" movement gives him some profile, but I'm not sure what chance he has, realistically.
Wow, there's going to be a fierce fight for the bottom of my ballot this year. I guess this'll be the third mayoral election in a row that I blow my vote on a worthy no-hoper.
(And in my ward simple mathematics demand that I'm going to have to choke down at least one of John Morrison, Jack Ruben, or Jo Coughlan. Ugh.)
It's never too late llew, especially now he can begin a dynasty with bouncing baby Lucien :)
It's a pity a few people have been politically blindfolded by Councillor Ahipene-Mercer's double-speak.
Ray is so hell-bent on making everyone think he's wonderful, he will literally say anything - especially what he thinks people want to hear.
For heavens sake, this man has voted with Kerry Prendergast's right-wing brigade every chance he's had during the past 3 years.
He is the highest paid Councillor in Wellington, in bed with the Chamber of Commerce, cuddling up to big business, while telling everyone how working class and Green he is!
Don't be fooled by the Penguin - Fancier of Breaker Bay. He is not what he seems!
I think everyone's favourite Huttian is backing Nick Kelly (scroll down) although I'm not entirely sure. That's worth mentioning.