17 August 2013

Vision & Voice congratulates Quax and Stewart

The Vision & Voice team of community leaders standing for the Howick Local Board congratulates Dick Quax and Sharon Stewart on being re-elected to the Auckland Council.

The Vision & Voice team members say they are looking forward to working with both councillors and rebuilding the important link between the Board and Council.

Mr Quax and Mrs Stewart were re-elected unopposed after Vision & Voice candidate David Collings worked together with Mr Quax and Mrs Stewart and decided not to lodge his nomination form for the Auckland Council. Mrs Stewart also decided to withdraw her nomination for the Howick Local Board.

"Dick and Sharon have done a very good job representing the Howick Ward as our councillors. They enjoy a lot of support from our community and stand up for local interests at the Auckland Council," says Mr Collings.

"The focus of our team is to work closely with the community and restore constructive, dignified leadership to the Howick Local Board. That means rebuilding and repairing the relationship between the Board and Council. Working with Dick and Sharon on this matter is an example of how Vision & Voice will work collaboratively with other community leaders.

"I've enjoyed being able to represent Pakuranga as a Local Board member. But a lot of improvements are needed and I believe I can serve my community best in that role.

"A local board comprised of people that demonstrate a willingness to work closely and collaboratively with others is what locals deserve. I want to focus my efforts and skills on the Local Board for the next three years.”

Vision & Voice candidate and deputy chair of the Howick Local Board, Adele White, also welcomes the re-election of the Ward's two councillors. Mrs Stewart showed support for Ms White during the time when Board Chair Michael Williams unsuccessfully attempted to remove her from the deputy chairperson's position.

"Dick and Sharon have worked hard for Howick. I was also very thankful when Sharon supported me during the period of unrest on the Local Board earlier this year.

"Both of our councillors know the value of hard work, cohesiveness, and putting the interests of Howick first. Their dedication to the challenges we face over the next three years is welcome."

Ms White says that Vision & Voice will make sure that Mr Quax and Mrs Stewart are offered the opportunity to be included more in local affairs.

"That has been somewhat lacking in the past three years. We need to ensure that all representatives in our community work closely together.

"While the current Board leadership may be opposed to a close working relationship, the Vision & Voice team thinks it's a vital part of good governance."

Ends

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