All posts in the topic The Value of Teams (Short link)
Summary
- There are 3 posts — by 2 authors — in this topic.
- Latest post made by Megan Woods at 2007 Jul 28 04:57 UTC
I have been on the campaign trial for the Christchurch mayoralty since April.
It’s been a roller-coaster ride full of rewards, challenges, excitement and of
course hard work.
Running a campaign in a city with a population of 360 500 is a huge undertaking
and one I wouldn’t have contemplated doing without the support of a solid team
behind me.
As the candidate for Christchurch 2021 (www.2021.org.nz) I’m very fortunate to
be able to call on a huge range of expertise and knowledge within the 2021 team
of candidates and active members. No one person can claim to have all the
answers.
I receive advice and assistance from a team including past councillors with
vast experience of scrutinising the city budget, a former Parliamentary
Speaker, other former and current Members of Parliament, emeritus professors,
lawyers and other professionals, and people with knowledge and passion for the
environment, the city’s heritage, and the community and voluntary sectors. Our
membership is drawn from Christchurch’s newest migrants as well as the Pakeha,
Pacific, and Maori people who have created the existing character of this city.
Christchurch 2021 is a political grouping. At this years elections we are
standing candidates who are not members of any political party, who are members
of the Labour, Progressive and Green Parties or who have stood for the National
Party in the past. We are a broad local government grouping. As in any group,
we all bring our individual and unique thinking and ideas to a wide range of
issues. What we share is a common vision for what Christchurch and Canterbury
will be like in the year 2021. We are proud of the steps we have made towards
achieving this vision. But, of course, there is still work to be done.
As a candidate for the mayoralty – a position that is elected “at large”, I
consider myself fortunate to be able to campaign with a fantastic team of
candidates. My understanding of the issues across the city are enriched and
deepened through the local perspectives that our city council and community
board candidates share with me. It is the local candidates that allow me to
understand the local issues from a local perspective.
Leading and working as part of a team in a broad-based grouping of people is
excellent training for someone who seeks to lead a council made up of
individuals with a range of opinions, views and perspectives.
As Cantabrians, I think we understand the value of teams.
Megan,
Thanks for your nice words... As you say, your words are only worth
as much as your team!
There are pitfall in 'having a team' behind you, and that is, you tend
to be a puppet and trumpeting your 'team's' ideas even if they might
not be inline to your own.
What I'm looking for in a mayor is someone who can think outside the
square, and who isn't afraid of finding the answers (and following
through) to tough questions, even if they are unpopular.
I can't wait until the public debates start, because that is when the
stars shine, and the 'rubbish bag' issues are left at the kerb.
Hi Natalie, Thanks for the post and your comments over at http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/canterburyissues/messages/topic/1mcNAP43dVV3Ofg76sJHQ4 You identifying that you want this election to be about real and substantial issues is a message I am picking up all over the city. There seems to be a real feeling that substantial debate is needed. This can only be positive for our city. Debate will allow voters to make informed decisions based who they think will do the best job for the city. Elections should not be about spin, and spending but rather substance. In reply to your comments re teams and your concerns that as a member of teams you "tend to be a puppet and trumpeting your 'team's' ideas even if they might not be inline to your own". Groupings and teams provide a forum for discussion and debate. In the case of 2021 this is the case. Ideas can be discussed and their relative merits and weaknesses teased out. This is always harder to do on your own. As a grouping of people concerned about the future of Christchurch and Canterbury we were all drawn to the organisation by our common belief in our vision. This is the one document that all candidates sign-up to. This common vision for the future gives us a good starting point for our discussions. All our candidates feel able to promote this vision as they personally believe in it - this is why they are members. Warm Regards, Megan