Christchurch City Mayoral Candidates

Press, 2 October 1989, Page 41

Christchurch City Mayoral Candidates

This campaign has made me acutely aware of the number of opportunities Christchurch is missing. Those chances should be grabbed with both hands. There are opportunities in tourism, outdoor recreation, horticulture, all sorts of festivals, packaging, engineering and the arts. We have also got the potential to become the education capital of New Zealand. These opportunities mean jobs and jobs are my top priority. My employment package is comprehensive, cost effective and readily achievable by

Since my election as a City Councillor in 1980, I have seen fulfilled all the promises I made as a candidate. These are a significant reduction in traffic accidents compared with other cities, assisted by my chairmanship of the New Zealand Roadshow Trust and the Co-ordinating Committee for Traffic Safety; the major development of Christchurch International Airport under my chairmanship of the airport committee from 1984 till 1988, a committee which established planning for the next 20 years; a

Something needs to be done urgently about the fence across the track through Bradford Park from Angus Street to Milton Street. This brown painted log fence is visible in daylight but a hazard at night when it is in shadow and an ill-lit barrier to cycles and pedestrians. It should be painted white, with a light. Speed on Milton Street is excessive. A roundabout at the Selwyn Street-Mil-ton Street comer with a pedestrian crossing would make it safer. A pedestrian crossing for children

Making our new Christchurch City the safest, healthiest, most caring and vibrant city in New Zealand is the challenge of the 19905. To achieve this, the city needs leadership and teamwork. The new Mayor of Christchurch must represent the city with dignity at civic receptions and numerous local functions. The Mayor must also lead the council, ensure democracy prevails and individual rights and points of view are protected. It is a full time job, and I have the time, commit-

' My policies are: no promises, no progress, do not demolish the United Services Hotel but demolish the Jones Building instead, no buildings higher than the Cathedral, no dogs. Dam the Avon, make Christchurch “Venice of the South," return Christchurch to swamp, against Amalgamation, return “Four Avenues" 1860 boundaries, feels “Grovelling for Gruel” more realistic than “Going for Goals,” no rates, better weather, a more “Celtic” Christchurch, mayoralty a “labour of love” so will

Christchurch people. It does not rely on Government.

The huge advantage of being not aligned with any one party is that I can work with all councillors without favouring any one faction. Party politics have not served the city well in the past. I am determined Christchurch will get something better. I have now had almost 15 years experience on the council — more than any other candidate. I have gained the experience but kept my energy and enthusiasm.

marked increase in international flights into Christchurch; a valuable improvement in Cathedral and Victoria Squares; and my determination that citizens have the right to retain their open fires and to explore all other means to reduce air pollution.

I offer you my record of 30 years of public service in Canterbury and the pledge that I will help make new Christchurch the safest and finest city in the country — a powerful, dynamic and exciting Southern City.

should be built at the corner of Simeon Street and Milton Street. The southern motorway outlet should be pushed on with from Curletts Road along Wigram Road.

ment, leadership skills, and capability to represent our city with dignity and warmth at any occasion. I believe in “open door” councils, where decisions are made up front, not behind closed doors, and where councillors vote as they please and are not directed. I do not believe in aligning myself, or my team with any political party. We are non-aligned to National or Labour. We are simply in favour of Action.

not accept salary, eveiybody likes Christchurch as is: quaint, conservative, back-water — let’s keep it that way. I see myself as young conservative not old radical like other candidates. I do not want to imitate Auckland. Let us emphasise Cathedral city — spiritual values above money. Craig Young — no promises, no progress.