Laurie Foon congratulates next southern ward councillor
Laurie Foon congratulates next southern ward councillor Fleur Fitzsimons
22 December 3:00pm
Labour candidate Fleur Fitzsimons has been elected as the new southern ward councillor for the Wellington City Council.
Southern ward by-election candidate Laurie Foon gave
her congratulations to Fleur who she acknowledged had worked
incredibly hard for the win.
“Fleur has been a
strong advocate for our southern ward community for a long
time, she got out there and connected with voters and they
rewarded her with this win. She deserves it.”
Laurie said that while Fleur was the favourite to win
from the outset, it didn’t make her any less committed to
the campaign.
“I knew that it would be very hard to
beat Fleur and the Labour campaign, but I really believed in
my vision for the city and was prepared to put in the hard
work. And it was always good to know that if I lost to
Fleur, she would make a great councillor for the southern
ward – she’d have had my vote if I hadn’t decided to
run.”
As a first-time candidate, Laurie said it was
an eye-opening experience.
“I have been overwhelmed
with the support I’ve received over this campaign. I’ve
done a lot of learning. And I’ve heard so many stories and
concerns from people here in Wellington, but also their
visions for how they want our city and communities to
be.”
She wanted councillor Fitzsimons to know that
she will be following up with her.
“I am going to
make sure I sit down with Fleur and pass on the concerns and
stories I have heard over the campaign. How parents and kids
want safer streets around our schools, that people want more
transport options and a sustainable future for our city. I
look forward to working with her to make good things happen
for our southern ward and our city.”
Laurie said she
would not give up on trying to achieve her vision for
Wellington as the coolest, smartest little sustainable
capital in the world. I’ll keep working for my community
and towards a more sustainable future through my role with
the Sustainable Business Network. And I’ll keep connecting
and helping make good things happen for our
city.”
She said that might include standing again
for the southern ward in the 2019 Wellington City Council
elections.
“From the bottom of my heart, thank you
to everyone who voted for me, and those who got out and
voted. I wish everyone a happy holidays and new
year.”