Interesting Mix In Council By-Election

Three Davids have put their hands up to stand for council, among some other interesting names, in the by-election which closes this Thursday.

David Pottinger – the brother of councillor Ian (Rangi) has put his name forward, along with David Hicks and just today a new face has emerged – carpenter David Meades. Related: 14 Candidates For By-Election, Mixed Bag Of Old, Young & Recycled

The lead builder at Chris Romero Building, David said he has good insight into tackling the housing crisis.

“The current zoning is out of date and driving prices up. More sections means more houses, which means more ratepayers, so we need to unlock land and grow our city.”

He also wants to take action against the growing crime in the city. “We need to keep our businesses and community safe, clean up our streets, and make Invercargill a great place to live.”

Graham Lewis, who just missed out last time is having another go, and instead of Rick Murrell, who was on the Let’s Go Invercargill ticket, wife Andrea has put forward her name instead.

Originally from Colombia and with 20 years experience in hospitality management, Andrea said she wants to be a voice for immigrants and women at the council table.

“I’m fascinated about politics and I’m obsessed with Invercargill.”

Andrea initially said she would stand for council in the first round but then her husband put his name in – “it was always going to be one of us.   He is totally supportive,” she said.

Former Mayoral candidate Carl Heenan, who stood against Sir Tim Shadbolt and Suzanne Prentice in the 2010 election,  receiving only 669 votes, is also back in the game.

Lisa Tou-McNaughton is the 7th candidate who missed out on a seat last time in 17th place out of 34 with 5487 votes.

Failed Mayoral candidate and rejected councillor Rebecca Amundsen  said she won’t be standing for council as long as Nobby Clark is Mayor.  However, she has endorsed Hicks.

Becs said on her Facebook page that she only stopped winning a seat because she spoke up about racists, misogynists and “old men who think they know everything and that I didn’t think should be voted in….. And look what happened.”

Nobby has confirmed as Mayor he will be endorsing someone but not until closing day, so we’ll have to wait until Thursday for that announcement.

Information about all the nominees, including their contact information, will be made available on the council website after the nomination period has ended.

Voting begins on July 13 and finishes at 12 noon on Friday, 4 August.