Next Welington Mayor
October 17th, 2012 at 7:53 am by David FarrarKatie Chapman at Stuff reports:
A year out from the next local body election, it’s already a hot political talking point: who will face off in the race to be Wellington’s mayor?
Incumbent Celia Wade-Brown is definitely standing again, and the names doing the rounds of those likely to oppose her include Fran Wilde, Annette King, and councillors Paul Eagle, Jo Coughlan and Justin Lester.
Annette and Fran are the two heavyweight contenders, both with significant profile, and both being former Labour MPs. I suspect one of them will stand, but probably not both.
Paul Eagle is more likely to seek Annette’s Rongotai seat in a by-election, if she stands – despite what he says. He will not stand against Annette if she stands.
Jo Coughlan has been an excellent Councillor, with her main focus being on economic growth and jobs. Lester is too new to rate, but seems sound so far.
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October 17th, 2012 at 8:24 am
Is it a hot talking point Katie? Is it really?
Vote:October 17th, 2012 at 8:34 am
The mediocre “Full Moon” King should be knitting in a rest home rather than trying to extend her miserable nose-in-the-trough career with a stint as Wellington mayor.
It’s time for her to retire from politics.
Vote:October 17th, 2012 at 8:36 am
“Jo Coughlan has been an excellent Councillor, with her main focus being on economic growth and jobs”
What on earth has the council to do with that?
[DPF: The Council's policies can have an impact on whether businesses locate or operate in Wellington]
Vote:October 17th, 2012 at 8:47 am
Bah!
HUMBUG!
Vote:October 17th, 2012 at 8:54 am
So, DPF, which political hack will you vote for?
Let us understand one thing: Prendergast lost the Mayoralty only because she took advice from her “yesterday’s man” partner, Rex Nicholls (another some time political hack), and did not campaign. Her signage and campaigning was almost 100% ZERO. She expected the “chain “, more or less as of right.
McKinnon is the only one with the required ability, but he is now too old.
Moreover, the legislation currently before the Parliament will create a new LG framework, will it not?
If it does not result in over-paid clerks being cut to size National (Carter. D ) will have created a very grumpy slice of its membership (reluctant to work as hard as they did in 2008 and 2011) going into the crucial 2014 year.
Time for a Gee-up, David!
[DPF: I could vote for Jo, Fran or Annette]
Vote:October 17th, 2012 at 8:54 am
I’ve always thought that Kerry Prendergast would make an excellent National MP, by way of contrast. She’d certainly be a great asset to that caucus.
Vote:October 17th, 2012 at 9:02 am
What exactly has Celia Wade Brown achieved? What new initiative? How is Wellington better for her having been there as opposed to anyone else…?
I certainly will not vote for Annette King, nor any Labour Party member or supporter
Vote:October 17th, 2012 at 10:01 am
I give Wade-Brown little chance against either Annette King or Fran Wilde and I agree it will be either or not both that stands. If either stand it is hard to see Couglan, Eagle or Lester being in the frame.
The unitary authoriy debate rolls on but is being resisted strongly by the outlying councils. If it stalls expect to see Fran Wilde make a strong push for Wellington.
Vote:October 17th, 2012 at 11:08 am
In a nutshell any mayor who promotes water meters will not be elected. The Kapiti Mayors days are numbered
Vote:October 17th, 2012 at 11:12 am
A choice between AIDS or cancer
Vote:October 19th, 2012 at 5:08 pm
What about Rodney Hide? I think he lives in Wellington these days, and he’s clearly suited for such a role, being a larger than life character. He’d have name recognition from the get go and would be far more interesting than a councillor not many will have heard of.
Vote:October 19th, 2012 at 10:13 pm
With all those people standing the vote will be split, most likely in favour the incumbent. I don’t understand why STV voting is used for health boards and not the single position mayoralty.
Vote: