Candidate Numbers May Cause Confusion

The total number of candidate standing for election to the ARC is 36% higher than in the 2001 election – 68 candidates as against 50 at the last elections, contesting the 13 seats on the council.

One of the big local news stories last year was the ratepayers rebellion campaign against huge increases in ARC rates – some as high as 700%.

At its height the rebellion saw over 130,000 people withholding all or part of their rates, and over 40,000 signatures were taken in a short six week period on petitions calling for the rates to be reset.

The high profile of the rebellion ensured that the issue has remained very much alive and has without doubt attracted a record number of candidates – most of whom are anxious to unseat the incumbent councillors.

With record numbers of candidates in three of the six ARC constituencies there is plenty of scope for confusion in the minds of the voters – especially when many of candidates will be quoting the rates rebellion as their reason for standing, or claiming to have been part of the rebellion leadership.

‘RatesRebellion – FRESH START’ spokesman David Thornton said today, “Our advice to voters is to look at the full list of candidates before making your choice. There is no doubt that voting for the wrong candidate could lead to new rate increases over the next three years. All we ask is for all voters to think carefully before they vote”.

Three of the original leaders of the ratepayers rebellion are standing in our six-strong team for the ARC election.

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