Kapiti mayoral candidates speak

Kapiti Coast Grey Power president Kevin Burrows, centre, with mayoral candidates, from left, Jackie Elliott, Angela Buswell, Gavin Welsh, K Gurunathan, David Scott and Ross Church. PHOTO: DAVID HAXTON

Six Kapiti mayoral aspirants had their first public candidates meeting, which attracted about 25 people, at the Otaki Memorial Hall's supper room on Wednesday.

The meeting, featuring Angela Buswell, Ross Church, Jackie Elliott, K Gurunathan, David Scott and Gavin Welsh, was organised by Kapiti Coast Grey Power.

Buswell, from Otaki, said she stood on a platform of strong positive honest leadership and would "conduct myself in a professional manner at all times".

She said she had integrity, commonsense and business acumen and wouldn't tolerate unprofessional conduct either within council or the public arena.

"I pledge to provide leadership with clear strategies and goals for the Kapiti Coast District Council to grow Kapiti, a place where we can be proud to live, work and raise our families."

Current mayor Church, from Paraparaumu Beach, said, "Three years ago we inherited a lot of big issues but they don't seem to be out there now, we've calmed things down, and that is because the council has taken an attitude of working better with the communities.

"We're not 100 per cent there but we're a lot better than the past." A recent customer survey showed showed people were largely happy with council.

"That's not to say we're perfect...but we're heading in the right direction."

Elliott, from Te Horo, stood on a platform of democracy featuring transparency and openness. Her leadership would "bring an inclusive council because I want to get the best from all team members".

"Council has lost your trust and needs to earn your respect by respecting you."

She also wanted to build a dam "possibly two" and wanted to ensure Kapiti is never again long-term at risk from "untried, untested, environmentally dangerous schemes".

Gurunathan, from Otaki, had upheld accountability, openness and transparency for many years and advocated a collaborative leadership in partnership with community groups.

"If you vote for me there will be a change in culture. You will be more aware, you will know what the issues are much more clearly, there will be not much hidden so you can make the decisions as to what councillors should be doing."

Scott, from Paraparaumu Beach, said he had worked very hard during his time as a councillor.

"If you vote for me I will continue to fight for the community. I'm very strong on community ethics and morals and believe that we should move forward together, and we have a duty to support people in the community. I believe in honesty, openness and I always keep my word."

Welsh, from Otaihanga, said the district deserved a leader who understood and remembered why they're here, and who they're here to serve.

"A leader who can play the ceremonial figurehead but more importantly has the competence, fortitude and experience to lead the organisation and deal with the political environment."