Media statement
9 May 2010
 
Christchurch needs a full time Mayor

“Mr Anderton has at last made his announcement. The very manner of his doing so, the professional spinning out of it, the doubts, the speculation and finally the real deal show what we already know - he is a professional politician wanting to move on to a new post. The Jim machine has cranked into action again.

“And how the media has danced to his tune, reporting each and every bit of the process, culminating in the Press's front page report yesterday, and probably tomorrow too.

“Then I got rung by the media asking whether I would stand down in favour of this high profile person.

I said "No".
I gave three reasons.

1. Christchurch needs a high quality full time Mayor, and for nine years. Mr Anderton cannot realistically meet these criteria.
2. I am a better candidate than Mr Anderton, and would make a better Mayor, and I have a right to show this during a campaign.
3. We have different constituencies. I want people to vote for me as a local businesswoman, educational leader, and a person with 30 years of experience as a community activist. My political experience is a bonus but it is not all I have to offer.

“It's getting interesting out there....”

ends

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