Following yesterday’s news that Keith Locke will not to run again in this year’s election, the Green Party today announced that it’s candidate for Epsom will be Mr David Hay a Principal Policy Analyst at the Auckland Council.

David is looking forward to challenging the Minister for Local Government, who currently holds the Epsom seat.

“Rodney Hide came in with strong opinions about local government, but with little knowledge and understanding. He lacks the patience to listen properly. I look forward to undoing the damage he has done. ” said Mr Hay.

“Local government in Auckland lost many talented people during this amalgamation. Some of our longest-serving and most knowledgeable people took redundancy. The cost will be counted for a long time to come.”

“I want to acknowledge the hard work of council officers during this change. It is a tribute to them that the new organisation is functioning at all. Staff face an enormous challenge to get it working properly.”

“The Auckland Council restructuring was a rushed job, and the problems the new council faces are caused by the reckless speed of the change. The blame for that rests with the Minister.

“This election is an opportunity for the people of Auckland and the voters in Epsom to send a clear message: it’s time for a change. It’s time for fresh ideas, new faces, and a better way of doing politics. It’s time to vote Green.”

ENDS

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