Laurie Foon congratulates next southern ward councillor Fleur Fitzsimons

22 December 3:00pm

Labour candidate Fleur Fitzsimons has been elected as the new southern ward councillor for the Wellington City Council.

Southern ward by-election candidate Laurie Foon gave her congratulations to Fleur who she acknowledged had worked incredibly hard for the win.

“Fleur has been a strong advocate for our southern ward community for a long time, she got out there and connected with voters and they rewarded her with this win. She deserves it.”

Laurie said that while Fleur was the favourite to win from the outset, it didn’t make her any less committed to the campaign.

“I knew that it would be very hard to beat Fleur and the Labour campaign, but I really believed in my vision for the city and was prepared to put in the hard work. And it was always good to know that if I lost to Fleur, she would make a great councillor for the southern ward – she’d have had my vote if I hadn’t decided to run.”

As a first-time candidate, Laurie said it was an eye-opening experience.

“I have been overwhelmed with the support I’ve received over this campaign. I’ve done a lot of learning. And I’ve heard so many stories and concerns from people here in Wellington, but also their visions for how they want our city and communities to be.”

She wanted councillor Fitzsimons to know that she will be following up with her.

“I am going to make sure I sit down with Fleur and pass on the concerns and stories I have heard over the campaign. How parents and kids want safer streets around our schools, that people want more transport options and a sustainable future for our city. I look forward to working with her to make good things happen for our southern ward and our city.”

Laurie said she would not give up on trying to achieve her vision for Wellington as the coolest, smartest little sustainable capital in the world. I’ll keep working for my community and towards a more sustainable future through my role with the Sustainable Business Network. And I’ll keep connecting and helping make good things happen for our city.”

She said that might include standing again for the southern ward in the 2019 Wellington City Council elections.

“From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone who voted for me, and those who got out and voted. I wish everyone a happy holidays and new year.”

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