Four to fight for Dunedin mayoralty

Press, 2 September 1986, Page 14

Four to fight for Dunedin mayoralty

PA Dunedin The Mayor of Dunedin, Mr Cliff Skeggs, is facing his toughest competition as he seeks a fourth term. Earlier this year Mr Skeggs was dropped by the Citizens’ Association, which told him its mayoral candidates could have only three terms in office. Mr Skeggs then announced his intention to contest the election as an independent Mr Bill Christie, the Deputy Mayor, is the Citizens’ candidate for the mayoralty. Labour has nominated Mr Steve Alexander, a newcomer to the city’s

local body scene, and a second independent candidate is Mr Murray Menzies, who contested the mayoralty in 1983. The council’s returning officer, Mr Greg Sligo, said it was the first time he could recall a contest with four candidates. With amalgamation hanging over Dunedin and the three surrounding boroughs, there are contests for two mayoral positions. Only the Mayor of Port Chalmers, Sir John Thom, is elected unopposed, for his eleventh term in office. Sir John decided to stand again because the amalga-

mation issue was not settled, and he could not “leave the job half done.” At Green Island, where the elected Mayor, Mr Vic Crimp, resigned a month ago, there are four candidates. Mr Crimp resigned in protest against what he said was dissent within the council over amalgamation. He is opposed to the borough joining the city, and has offered himself for re-election.

A council and mayoral election will also take place in St Kilda Borough, where the Mayor, Mr Ivan Lawson, is being challenged by a sitting councillor, Mrs Ann Turvey.