A good start for Lester

Stuff reports:

Justin Lester has donated his $60,000 Wellington mayoral car budget to the arts.

The new mayor has decided to give the cash, provided by Wellington City Council for the role, to the city arts portfolio budget to help up-and-coming artists.

The arts budget funds a range of things including community arts and events, music concerts, art exhibitions, plays and cultural festivals.

“I don’t need it,” Lester said of his car allowance.

“We have said we will be a prudent council and these are savings we can make either by redirecting money to projects that directly benefit Wellingtonians or by forgoing payments that fit within the role of being a councillor.

“We’ll take every decision on spending, and saving, on a case-by-case basis.

A good move by the new Mayor.