16 September 2016

Coughlan on Road to Mayoralty polls show. Leggett supporters should consider Coughlan as first preference.

Wellington Mayoral candidate Jo Coughlan said today, “While there are three horses near the front, this is developing into a two horse race between Justin and myself.

“There are a significant number of undecided voters but these polls indicate that currently Lester is polling first, Coughlan is second and Leggett is third.

“Leggett voters should seriously consider giving me their first preference vote, unless they want Lester to be their Mayor.

Other polls have also been encouraging. Stuffs recent online poll of 16,000, asking who would be preferred as mayor, had 35% voting for Coughlan, 28% for Leggett and 24% for Lester. In addition, a more recent online Stuff poll of 3,200, asking who they had been the most impressed with, had Coughlan on 50%, Leggett on 33%, Lester on 12% and Young on 3%. A recent “straw poll” at a Chamber of Commerce debate had 19 responses out of the 155 people in the room supporting Leggett.

“With the STV voting system, this is very encouraging for a successful outcome for my campaign, once all votes are counted. This shows my positive GOJO campaign and the constructive, sensible policies I am advocating, are getting resonance with the Wellington people. Wellingtonians are a bit more sophisticated than some think.

“However, there is a large undecided vote in both polls and it is important that they make an informed decision. I recommend they go to www.joformayor.co.nz or www.facebook.com/JoCoughlanForMayor/ orhttps://twitter.com/joformayor to follow the #GoJo campaign and find out more about my Roadmap of policies for Wellington.

“If people want a pragmatic, independent Mayor, with a proven track record of operating very successfully and constructively in the Wellington City Council arena, who can hit the ground running, then vote 1 for Coughlan on your voting papers. And don’t forget to post them in!” Ms Coughlan concluded.

Jo has been asked a lot of written questions by various groups. Rather than repeat her profile, each media release we will put out some of her answers, just to keep you interested! And if you want to watch an entertaining video featuring Tim Shadbolt, Jo and a concrete mixer, click here https://www.facebook.com/JoCoughlanForMayor/videos/1231647050200222/

Questions from Scoop.co.nz.
Q. What in your past work experience best equips you to be an effective mayor?
A. Jo: Four things
1. I have successful experience in the business world and in senior corporate roles as well as the voluntary sector to get stuff done. My first job was working for New Zealand Aluminium Smelters, New Zealand’s fifth biggest exporter at the time, based at Tiwai Pt, before roles at the New Zealand Tourism Board, The National Bank, and AMP Ergo as they launched a new bank in New Zealand. I am currently a business owner and a Director of a Government Relations and PR Consultancy, Silvereye Communications, so I understand the demands of running a business. In the voluntary sector, I am Co-Chair of the New Zealand Chinese Language Week Charitable Trust; was Chair of the Life Education Trust Wellington City for ten years; Deputy Chair, National Board, Life Education Trust for six – providing health education to over 250,000 children nationally with 50 mobile classrooms across 30 trusts nationwide. I was recently awarded Life Membership of Life Education (one of 20 New Zealanders) for my 16 years of service. I have been very involved in leading fundraising for schools and other organizations.
2. I have successful experience building partnerships and getting outcomes with Central Government. I have spent over 20 years working in and around central government in a professional capacity, so I have excellent trusted, personal relationships across the political spectrum and to the highest levels. From my time as Press Secretary to the then Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rt. Hon. Sir Don McKinnon, to working with clients and engaging with senior ministers and leaders and senior politicians across all political parties. I am very familiar with how parliament works. I have also worked with our senior public servants for over 20 years and successfully worked to get successful outcomes for clients. In short I know how the Wellington parliamentary machine works.
3. I have successful experience in the current council environment and culture. As Economic Portfolio Leader and Chair of the Economic Growth and Arts Committee for the Wellington City Council, I have led the 2012 Economic Development Strategy with almost unanimous support and we are seeing great results. This Committee has progressed things such as the Convention Centre and Movie Museum, retaining the sevens, getting a long-haul flight, establishing the Wellington Regional Economic Development Agency; additional funding through the City Growth Fund to support a range of economic initiatives including arts and major events, and a Tech Hub amongst may other outcomes. We have met our target of 10,000 new jobs for Wellington and our CBD growth last year outpaced Auckland’s (3.8% vs. 3.4%). Earlier this year, after meeting with Transport Minister Simon Bridges, I was able to get the whole transport committee, which I don’t Chair, to vote unanimously to shift council funding towards the iconic harbour cycleway from Miramar to the City. I am an independent and look at every issue on its merits or otherwise. I have voted with and against everyone around the table and work collaboratively, fairly and while goal orientated are respectful of others views. As the mother of six children, I have learned to cope with and balance competing demands.
4. And it’s not just me saying this. Former Mayor Kerry Prendergast and former Labour Cabinet Minister and Mayor Fran Wild have endorsed me as their preferred candidate. Not only do they know of my experience, but they are very familiar with the other mayoral candidates’ experience as well. They know I have the energy, experience, enthusiasm and leadership skills required to hit the ground running and lead the Council to do what is good for Wellington.

ends

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