Vision player announced for by-election

THE by-election just became a litmus test for the Wanganui Vision team.
Former world champion rower and Olympian Philippa Baker-Hogan has announced her candidacy for the Wanganui District Council seat made vacant by ex-Vision councillor Graeme Taylor.
Mrs Baker-Hogan's stand for Vision will be a test of how happy Wanganui voters are with their Vision-dominated council and its programme.
She joins nominees Allan Anderson, Margaret Campion and Bren Sinclair along with declared candidates Morgs Hunter-Bell and Mark Simmonds in the by-election race.
Notably absent to date is a candidate representing the River City's arts community, members of which have been vocal in their criticism of Vision, and in particular team leader Mayor Michael Laws.
However, some Chronicle sources claim that is because any council aspirant with a view to a lengthy local body career would steer away from association with what has been a controversial council.
Not so high-achiever Mrs Baker-Hogan.
"I am standing as a Vision Wanganui candidate because I believe, on balance, their policies are the right ones. Keeping rates under control, improving council efficiency and letting the public have a real say in how their rates are spent," she said in a statement.
"That said, I'm an independent and strong person and would never shy away from expressing my own opinion. My first loyalty will always be to the people."
The twice sporting Halberg Award winner said she would bring new energy to the council.
"Wanganui is surging ahead, and I believe that the council needs fresh energy and a fresh face to keep that momentum going.
"I am standing because the council does need someone with sport and recreation expertise to replace Graeme Taylor, but also because I want to see a greater council emphasis on family, and meeting family needs."
Mrs Baker-Hogan is a trained radiographer and a partner/manager of a health business. She was elected as the top-polling candidate at the 2004 district health board elections and is also chairperson of a Wanganui community-based child care centre. "The district's health concerns were another factor, in my decision. I believe a much closer link must be forged between the health board and the district council," she said.
"I've been impressed with council's decision to actively and assertively lobby government over police numbers and airport monies, but the same drive is also needed with health.
"Wanganui is missing out on its fair share of funding," Mrs Baker-Hogan said.
Bringing a different emphasis to council would be key if elected, and Mrs Baker-Hogan said families were often forgotten in council and health decisions.
"I would like to see more emphasis on developing recreational facilities like the Splash Centre, Castlecliff beach, Kowhai Park and the riverfront," she said.