First-time and long-time voter share their views

Sarah Gray is a young voter, voting for first time in local govt elections. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER

With a week left in this year's local elections, we spoke to someone voting for the first time as well as a seasoned voter.

Sarah Gray, 24, didn't vote in the last local government elections, but has voted in a general election, and would like the council to focus on the younger generations.

"Over the past three years I've been getting way more involved in local politics.

"The last time I didn't vote because I had an attitude that it did not affect me - I was not concerned.

"But, I've realised it really does affect me and it's really important. I want to be a part of it and want my voice to be heard."

She said most non-voters were her age.

"Most of my friends are interested in local government, but there are some who just don't give a crap.

"It's so hard getting people interested in it - politics can be very confusing and people my age don't think it's relevant to them."

She said she would like to see a few more younger councillors elected.

"Most of the council are nowhere near my age and are not focused on issues for youth, they are more focused on the elderly, which is bizarre, because the youth are the future and if they don't sort things out now then we are stuffed."

She said it was a shame people were more concerned about Trump and Clinton rather than what was happening locally.

"We all need to be involved.

"I think the council are focused on spending and debt right now and we will have to deal with that in the future.

"But, they do need a focus on youth and things for youth to do. Plus, they should be focusing more on tourism."

Miriam Ruberl says she's become more and more irritated with elections over the years because they seem to be more of a popularity contest than an opportunity to get the right people in the right places.

"I think the election process is very light on looking for skills. Anybody can put their hand up and say they want the job.

"I talk to people about what their experience is, what they have done, and I look at what they have done in our community and where they put their time."

She said there was too much emphasis on financial policies by councils and councillors would be better served if they were able to "listen, make decisions and take into account various viewpoints and competing interests".

"I'm attracted to people who are not always using the 'I' word, 'I will do that', 'I promise this' - I get very nervous when I hear that," she said.

She said she would rather see more emphasis on social issues and listening to younger people and planning for the future.

"The young people today are the older people of tomorrow.

"If this town can address social issues like domestic violence, drug abuse, and just straight out poverty and despair, I think we can tackle other issues a lot better."

However, she said in her view it was not the council's job to spend ratepayer money promoting tourism businesses or economic development.

"I don't think it's even the council's job to make businesses profitable, it's to spend our rates in ways that benefit our residents."

She said low voting rates could be partly blamed on how relevant local government was to people.

"But, everyone talks about this stuff and if they are not voting it's because they don't see the relevance of their vote.

"But, I'm hoping to see a new council, not exactly a clean sweep, but most of them can go for my money.

"I want people 35 years old and over, people with some experience who have made a decision or two in their lives and who can assess information, hear what people say and come to a fair conclusion."