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 is Nicola Young, WCC candidate for Lambton Ward and the Mayoralty.

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

Work with existing organisations eg: Wellington Homelessness Women’s Trust. Don’t waste money on follies (‘Alternative Giving’). Understand some people don’t want to be housed.

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

Need one cross-town route where cyclists have priority, more bike racks, and greater use of street furniture/planters in Golden Mile to separate traffic from…

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

Planned infrastructure upgrades will help (flyover & second Mt Victoria tunnel); plus priority bus and cycle lanes.

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?

More to Wellington already! Brainy citizens – ICT and creative sectors. Smart public servants. Compact topography. True urban living. Local quirkiness.

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

Reduce red-tape and increase transparency; rates that are value-for-money. Encourage incubation of small businesses. WCC to adopt ‘can do’ attitude. Efficient…

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

More fun; less black clothing, less gloom. Bring back Cuba Street Carnival. I have ideas for other community events with international/tourism potential. Encourage the…

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

Current facilities are good. Maintain library services and need more sports fields with artificial turf. Improved public transport.

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

Encourage public events. Build on city’s capital status to raise awareness, with focus on political history and its importance/relevance to our lives. Tourism potential…

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

Check on my neighbours. /Sachets of Indian food (also used for catering on annual tramps with a vegetarian friend), bottle of scent and face-cream.

10.   Why should we vote for you?

Commonsense, new ideas, high energy, hard-working, gets things done, business perspective, international experience; born ‘n bred local, interested in arts; not a time-server.

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

www.nicolayoung.co.nz (basic website, but I built it); www.facebook.com/NicolaYoungForWellingtonMayor; or call me on 021 654 844