D.J.S ‘serious’ about mayoralty

Press, 25 May 1989, Page 7

D.J.S ‘serious’ about mayoralty

By

KAY FORRESTER

Ken Ellis and James Daniels are serious about their bid for the mayoralty of Christchurch, although they know the law does not provide for a dual candidacy.

The two broadcasters from Stereo &1 ZM announced their campaign for the mayoralty several weeks ago. Since then slogans have appeared on a central city wall and delivery trucks: “James and Ken for Mayor.” The two confirmed yesterday they were serious about standing for the mayoralty. "We’re serious about it, although we won’t be treating it seriously,” Ellis said.

Both denied the dual candidacy was a publicity gimmick. The difficulty for the pair is that the Local Elections and Polls Act, 1976, does not provide for two people to stand for the same elected position. The new Christchurch City returning officer, Mr Max Robertson, said two people could not stand for the same position. Either or both of the broadcasters

could stand for the mayoralty as separate candidates but they could not stand together, he said. Ellis said yesterday that he was aware of the law. “We are looking at ways round it.” His running-mate, Daniels, said, “We’ll fight for the right to be in there. We’re serious about this. We’ll find a way round it.” If it came to a choice between the two as the official candidate, they would “probably toss a coin." Ellis said, however, “We see the position as a job-sharing one and will be campaigning on that.” Daniels was realistic about assessing the pair’s chances (separately or together). “We expect to get our own votes and those of my extended whanau.” As mayoral hopefuls, they will attend a Going for Goals gathering on Friday at which mayoral candi-

dates will endorse the aims of the planning forum. “We have broken a charity golf tournament to go there — that’s how serious we are,” Daniels said. “If we’re elected as Mayor, that’s a big problem for everyone, ourselves included.”

He outlined one policy of the James and Ken campaign. “Mates rates. If we are elected and people say they’re our mates, they only have to pay mates rates.”

To date two other candidates have been confirmed in the mayoralty race. One is the incumbent, Sir Hamish Hay, who has United Citizens backing for his bid. The other is Cr Vicki Buck, who will stand as an independent. Cr David Close is likely to be the Labour candidate but his selection has yet to be confirmed by the party.