Kerry stands again
March 3rd, 2010 at 9:00 am by David FarrarThe Dom Post reports:
Kerry Prendergast has confirmed she will stand for a fourth term as Wellington mayor.
She told The Dominion Post last night that she would stand again as an independent, after earlier ruling out contesting the October election so she could spend more time with her family.
She will announce her candidacy this morning, appearing to kill the possibility that she would front an election bid on the Sir Bob Jones-promoted Vibrant Wellington ticket.
“I have decided to seek a fourth term as mayor to ensure there is ongoing confidence in Wellington’s direction, leadership and management of the council. I have always stood as an independent and I will do so again this year.”
Significant challenges included retaining the NZI Sevens tournament, increasing inner-city safety, and ensuring Wellington maintained a strong voice on national issues and resource allocation, Ms Prendergast, 56, said. “My campaign will be about how Wellington is doing really well at the moment and is a fantastic city. Why change?”
iPredict has Kerry;s probability of re-election at 86%, which seems about right to me.
Sir Bob said Ms Prendergast’s decision came as no surprise but he believed there was still a possibility she might stand on the Vibrant Wellington ticket.
The central plank of the business-led group is to create a bus-free pedestrian boulevard in the central city.
“If Kerry is going to back this, and it has been hinted at, then we wouldn’t put a mayoral candidate up. Simple as that. It would create a monument to her tenure as mayor.”
I’m a big fan of the vision to have a vehicle free boulevard from Courtenay Place to Lampton Quay. It will be interesting to see who stands on the Bob Jones ticket.
Personally I don’t think the ticket needs to worry about the Mayoral spot – the Mayor has only one vote, and has a huge number of other things to do. All the ticket needs is a majority on Council to instruct officers to draw up a plan for consultation setting out how the boulevard can be created, and what the cost is.
March 3rd, 2010 at 9:10 am
It is a mark of her present three mayoralty’s that she hasn’t done this up to now.
Vote:she won’t be getting my vote.
March 3rd, 2010 at 9:18 am
I have never voted for her, I recall her first term as mayor she was going to get a Ice rink for the region (still waiting) 3 terms is enough. A 4th term will just mean more of the same which is her way or the highway. The only good thing I can see if she gets a 4th run is the indoor stadium will be finished in Kilbirnie and she can personally front up to all the traffic problems that will create on that already busy road out to the airport and eastern suburbs.
Vote:March 3rd, 2010 at 9:21 am
Well I know who I will not be voting for. After voting for her perviously, Never again. I just pray that a good righ wing candidate puts their name forward. I certainly do not want any bloody leftie as mayor – there are too many in Council already.
Vote:March 3rd, 2010 at 10:01 am
Is Jones being put up to this by the Left? Split the right vote, guess who benefits.
Vote:March 3rd, 2010 at 10:13 am
No-one. Wellington City Council election use STV.
Everyone gets my vote. The order? Now that’s the tricky bit!
Vote:March 3rd, 2010 at 10:26 am
Sorry didn’t realise Wellington were smart enough to have ditched FFP. Up here in Auckland we are just coming out of the nineteenth century.
Vote:March 3rd, 2010 at 10:29 am
I’ve chatted to the Vet Allan Probert and whilst he seems a good guy with a head for his business, I’d like to see more policy from him.
He has been instrumental in organising business networking on the Miramar peninsular and with three businesses in Khandallah, Petone and Miramar he might well have his ear to the ground in the different areas.
He is concerned about the debt and policy for replacement of infrastructure and with councils interface with it’s ratepayers which he doesn’t think is as good as it should be, it’s as if council don’t listen, which he is on record about.
Vote:March 3rd, 2010 at 10:35 am
I met Kerry yesterday for the first time. She introduced herself by saying, “when are you moving to Wellington?”. Had a firm handshake too. On first impression I liked her. I know nothing about WGN local body politics. Is she a lefty?
Vote:March 3rd, 2010 at 12:28 pm
She is a very successful centre-right politician surely she can go on a bigger stage than that narrow grasping provincial Wellington.
Vote:March 3rd, 2010 at 1:13 pm
I believe the Mayor has a deciding vote – giving two in certain circumstances – and she sought and holds the Transport Portfolio. She is also a director of the Wellington International Airport @ $37,500pa.
Vote:March 3rd, 2010 at 3:57 pm
She takes $37,500 of ratepayers money for being on the board at WIAL even though she has done her best trying to sell off this ratepayer asset. Hypocrite. Her hubby thinks it is good she is mayor because he got to go to the Olympics in Beijing. One can only assume the poor bloody ratepayers picked up the tab as they have done for the many junkets she has been on. Trougher. It is a shame I can not vote against this woman any more as I got out of Wellington years ago, not long before my rates bill would have hit five figures.
Vote:March 3rd, 2010 at 4:00 pm
“She takes $37,500 of ratepayers money for being on the board at WIAL even though she has done her best trying to sell off this ratepayer asset. ”
Sounds like she is acting entirely in the shareholders’ interest, which is after all the job of the director.
Vote:March 3rd, 2010 at 4:15 pm
Prendaghast was trying to sell off WCC share of WIAL even before she became mayor but has been repeatedly voted down and the value of WIAL has increased markedly since then. I think she has a bloody cheek taking on the directors role for herself. But then there is that $37,500 a year extra.
Vote:March 3rd, 2010 at 4:40 pm
“Vibrant Wellington”
Pffft.. a gathering of piranhas all existing on the flesh of the private sector.
Vote:March 3rd, 2010 at 5:46 pm
Actually Red, there is quite a lot of private sector here in Wellington as well, so don’t tar us all with that brush.
That said, I’m glad I live in the Hutt and don’t have this bunch of spendthrifts as my council.
Vote: