8/8/07

John McGrath for Mayor - Unleashing Wellington’s Potential.

Wellington businessman and restaurateur, food, wine and film commentator John McGrath today announced he will be standing for Wellington Mayor today.

“Wellington has come a long way since the days of the great Mayors like Sir Michael Fowler and Fran Wilde and its time again for someone with business nous, inspiration energy and passion to unleash the potential of this great city.”

“I have travelled the rocky road of business and have had successes and failures. I have learnt from them all. Today I either own or have interests in the restaurants Tasting Room, Crazy Horse – the Steakhouse, the bar The Buena Vista Social Club and the restaurant Altitude 585 in Ohakune. I also have a passion for event management, organized the Wellington Wine and Food Festival and was the main fundraiser for the Embassy Theatre refurbishments.

“While Kerry Prendergast and Mark Blumsky have done a good job of making the city what it is today - I am a businessman who makes things happen. I want to put the mojo back into the Mayoralty. With my experience, drive and inspiration I can unleash Wellington’s potential.

We want Wellington to be recognized as the best in the world. We are currently recognized globally as the twelfth best city to live in. We must aim to be number 1.

I have a five point plan to make Wellington Number 1.

1. Encourage people to live here by creating a more vibrant Wellington
We need more people here so we have to actively seek them out - promote Wellington nationally and internationally as a smart economy. Tell them about our great schools and sporting and cultural buzz. When I’m Mayor we will be upping our marketing and promotional efforts across the globe.

2. Infrastructure
While my focus is on the promotion of the city I am also a strong advocate for a durable infrastructure. We don’t always see it but it’s vital for the success and sustainable growth of the city and its time we got it right.
When we have a solid infrastructure we will create the platform for sustainable business growth. Transmission Gully is a must and I support a road toll.

3. A strong business environment that encourages small business to thrive
Small business are the backbone of this city and we need to cut the council red tape and look at what we can do to get the little guys in the Wellington business world stepping up to the mark. We also need a long term vision for the city that will be promoted and supported by everyone.

4. Clean up time
The city needs a good scrub. There is too much rubbish - we need instant litter fines.
It’s also time we got the winos off the street. And I’m not going to rest until we work with central government to find a solution to the homeless on our streets. No more sleeping on the streets. No more Blanket man.

5. Grow tourism
I will make Wellington the leading destination for the arts, culture, events and hospitality. We have the World of Wearable Arts the Affordable Arts and the Arts Festival – Wellington will be marketed as the world as THE ARTS capital of Australasia.

I have already amassed considerable support for my decision to stand as Mayor of our great city and am humbled by it. I intend to run a vibrant, strong campaign that will really capture the public’s attention and get them interested again in civic affairs.

I’m the man with the Mojo who can unleash the potential of Wellington and make it the number one best city in the world.

ENDS