After almost three terms as a Whangarei District councillor, Shelley Deeming reckons she's now got enough knowledge of the council's workings, and public expectations, to be a good mayor of Whangarei. Ms Deeming has announced she is throwing her hat into the ring and is preparing to battle it out for the mayoral chains in the October 12 local body elections.
She made the announcement at the end of the council's District Living Committee, which she chairs, saying she would also stand as a councillor for the Bream Bay ward she has represented for almost nine years over three council terms. Ms Deeming said she liked to be a leader and enjoyed that role. After the meeting she said she had "finally got to the point where I fully understand the workings of council and what the community is expecting from council".
So far confirmed to stand also are four-term former mayor Stan Semenoff; Whangarei Heads ward councillor Warwick Syers; former one-term councillor Vince Cocurullo; former two-term councillor Sheryl Mai; Warren Slater, who has stood unsuccessfully for mayor at the last two elections and another former councillor, Isopo Samu.
If you intend to stand for the Whangarei mayoralty, or any other local body position in Northland in the October election, ring Mike Dinsdale on 09 4702838, or email elections@northernadvocate.co.nz.
