The results of our local body/council/municipal elections have been announced and here in Selwyn, the fastest growing district in New Zealand, we have rung in some big changes.
We have a new Mayor and what all the reports are calling “a new look council”. It’s all very exciting; change was definitely called for.
But it wasn’t a “nice” election amongst those going for the lesser roles. There was name calling and mud slinging which I really don’t like. Not only is it basic playground bullshit but I feel it says a lot of the candidates perception of my intelligence as a voter.
So, let’s see what you’ve got; newbie Selwyn District Council. I’m hoping there’s more to you than the ability to come up with alliterative catchphrases.
Union Homestead 
Every aspiring local and national politician is going to put an end to waste and inefficiency so it will be interesting to see if your lot can actually do it for once.
When we moved here, our council rates were just over $100 p/a more than we were paying for a 1/4 section and house in a less than salubrious suburb. We’ve had quite the rates hike recently; inevitable in my eyes. As for frivolous spending…I’m not sure. I am sure that I wouldn’t take their job on for quids, though.
The frivolous spending probaly does exist but most of the money goes on police, education and social needs here. It is difficult to cut them even if you think that priorities are wrong.
That was quite a decided vote for change in your district for sure! I see change is afoot all over the South Island. It will be interesting to see if all these new brooms can make the changes they want to make. It strikes me that no matter what level of government, the giant ship of state – be it municipal, provincial or federal – is a lot harder to steer than new skippers realize. The turning radius and stopping distance for a super tanker are huge, likewise for a government. It takes a willing crew, and a lot of energy to change direction. Good luck to you all!
A good analogy! I like our new mayor, I think she speaks sense, and she has a personal interest in the rural sector so fingers crossed.
Best of luck! As I am sure you know, we are having quite the time in the U.S.
Our little election pales in comparison.
Alas. But as I have learned, all elections are important. It really does matter who’s in charge.
I hope this is a change for good. Best of luck xx
I dont think its a change for bad (if you know what I mean) but it could be a change for more of the same…
Mmmm yes. We’ve had a lot of that here too.
Council elections in the Shire of Mount Alexander are very sedate affairs. Name calling – I don’t think so – that is left to the State and Federal level of politics.
It was new here, too. The world is a little mean at the moment.