Ideas, strong team needed at big table

Mark Dawson, Editor of Wanganui Chronicle

"COMMITMENT", "honesty", "intelligence", "a broad mix of skills", "background in the community", "the ability to base decisions on what is best for the district rather than personal ambitions" ...

Just a few of the replies from sitting Wanganui councillors in answer to a straw poll on "What is the most important quality for a district councillor?"

As the local body elections build a head of steam before their October 12 finale, we have heard plenty of similar virtues espoused as the candidates hit campaign mode.

Yesterday's Grey Power election forum attracted a good crowd and some interesting responses - as did the one run by the Chronicle last Friday.

We have another meeting tomorrow evening at the War Memorial Centre's concert chamber when the remaining 17 council-only contenders will face the public and tell us what they have to offer.

So plenty of chances to listen, ask questions and make your decisions on this most important of elections for our district.

Here's a couple of things to ponder as you consider who should sit at the big table and spend your rates money.

As well as the worthy qualities described above, think about (a) teamwork and (b) original ideas.

The next Wanganui council needs to be cohesive, focussed and to work as a team if it is to tackle the challenges ahead. Councillors must be fundamentally supportive of one another even though they may disagree over policy and, after the debates are over, unified in the implementation of their decisions.

And how many new ideas have we heard on the campaign trail so far? Not many, I'm afraid.

But last Friday's gathering did reveal one bright brain. So while the Chronicle is not in the business of taking sides, mention should be made of the youngest candidate on the list, 19-year-old James Penn, who revealed some innovative thinking on council business - including how he could be a Wanganui councillor while studying at Auckland University.