Guest Speakers
From:
Bob Parker
Date:
2007 Jun 14 09:25 UTC
Short link
Hi Amelia,
Yes, I have chosen not to align myself with any political party. On a council
of 13 plus a mayor I really cannot see how a mayor joined to a political gang
with a set of pre-determined policies can make for better local democracy.
As to funding, I have deliberately set myself at arms length to the process. If
someone offers me help of any kind I thank them, and put them in touch with my
campaign manager. I do know that, as well as my own input, donations of time
and money have been offered by my family, my fiancée Joanna, and friends. I am
very grateful for this help. As the campaign gets into full swing I hope that
others will want to contribute on the basis of getting to know my priorities.
However they will be dealing with the campaign team not me.
I come from a proud local kiwi working-class family, and it is fair to say that
they would be solid (as far as I know) Labour supporters. However I have always
voted on issues and for individuals, and not a party ideology. As the former
mayor of Banks Peninsula it was important to have a good relationship with
local MP’s such as Ruth Dyson (Labour), David Carter (National) and the late
and much missed Rod Donald (Greens). I was a speaking guest at various
functions they organised, and helped raise funds for all of them.
Christchurch is made of many different political, social, ethnic and cultural
groups. Many residents have told me that they think it is important to be a
non-aligned mayor, and I agree. I just believe a mayor should represent the
views of Christchurch, not some predominantly North Island based political
ideology.
Equally I have no “higher” political ambitions – for example standing for a
political party in the general elections, and thus do not view standing for the
mayoralty as a training ground for a parliamentary career. I am a local
government enthusiast of 14 years experience (some friends have suggested I
should seek counselling for this) and I love Christchurch.
Perhaps you are concerned that someone will “buy” me? Remember that a mayor has
only one vote at a table of 14 (on rare occasions if a vote is “tied” the mayor
may use a casting vote - generally to preserve the status quo).
Being a mayor is also about being a good chair and working to build a team from
a cross-section of perspectives.
Over the last two years I have acted as the independent (non-aligned) chair of
the Greater Christchurch Urban Development Strategy. The governance body
consisted of representatives from four local bodies, many different
perspectives, and presumably many different political views. I am very proud
that we reached the end of the process, including hearings, with no split votes
and a unanimous outcome.
Regards, Bob Parker.
.