Helene Ritchie Ready to Be Mayor

9 August 2016 Media Release

Important Announcement

Wellington’s first woman deputy mayor and longest serving councillor, Helene Ritchie is ready to be mayor.

“ I have decided to stand only to be mayor of Wellington and to withdraw from the ward election. I have watched the performance of the other candidates in recent months and some over a few years. While they may make their mark in future, they are just not ready to be mayor of Wellington, the Capital City.

The position of mayor in the Capital is one of the most challenging political positions in the country, with many demands, requiring sound governance, extensive experience, wisdom and leadership, not just billboards and silly promises.

This is a crucial election with serious issues facing the City, residents and ratepayers.

I have the necessary and extensive experience to take this boutique City into the future, sound governance experience and a public record of leadership and significant achievements for the City in major areas. Experience counts.

I will stand for the Health Board- (a very part-time position on a Crown entity whose budget is controlled by the government). The health of the people is the health of a City. Additionally, Health is the largest employer in the City, has a significant impact on the economy of the City. The City and Health need to work much closer together.

I said I would withdraw from the ward when elected mayor. Having observed the other candidates, I have now made that decision early.

I stand as truly Independent-as I have done since 1998 when I returned to Council. I will be beholden to the people of Wellington, not like other mayoral candidates, to a political party, or property developers or a combination of both.

I am ready for the biggest political challenge of my career.
Everything in my life has involved challenges.

I have no plan B.

I am ready to be the mayor of Wellington.”

ends

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