Editorial: Billboard battles and block voting

Mark Dawson, Editor of Wanganui Chronicle

THE local body election campaign is heating up with your voting papers being delivered this month and, of course, the results due on October 8 when the polls close.

A billboard battle has broken out around Whanganui where 33 people are chasing 12 seats on the district council, and seven candidates contest the sole mayor's position. That's longish odds on success and a fair chance of disappointment.

Still, there are signs of conviviality, even teamwork, amid the campaigning.

Some candidates have joined forces to put on public meetings, while others paired up to share exhibition space at the recent Chronicle Home & Lifestyle Show at the Jubilee Stadium. There are even double acts sharing the billboards around town.

The liaisons are fairly loose associations at the moment, with the exception of the Whanganui Beyond 2030 team who come to the arena as a four-man package.

While party politics works at national level, block groupings have a chequered history in local government.

There is logic in seeking to get enough people on to council to push through your agenda, but the voting public have often been leery of such strategies.

The Vision Party famously grasped power in Whanganui some years back but how many would regard its reign as a success?

It ultimately splintered to such a degree that there are still those in town who deny they were even part of it.

Three years ago another foursome banded together with a rates-conscious approach and the general target of representing the older citizens. Only one of them got over the line.

Anyway, for those of you who have been studying the billboards and are wondering just what a "Vote for Progress" means; are intrigued by the notion of "Loveable Whanganui"; are puzzled that anyone would not think "Our City Deserves The Best"; and ponder just how they would "Change The Council", there is the chance of enlightenment.

The Chronicle is holding three public meetings for these candidates at the War Memorial Centre, starting next Wednesday, September 7, and Thursday, September 8, with those standing for council. The mayoral contestants do battle on Thursday, September 15.

So it is your chance to check out the "Capable" and "Proven"; see "Leadership In Action" and find out what those who are "Fighting" and "Working" for the community really have to offer.

Doors open at 6pm for a 6.30pm start - and bring your questions with you.