Thomas Morgan, Wellington City Council Eastern Ward Candidate has been reflecting on the local election campaign for disabled candidates while himself having less than normal mobility. 

“The concept that democracy, as in standing as a candidate, is available to anyone is far from the truth. If one has a major or even minor disability the exercise is far from easy and perhaps impossible.” He said.

Morgan has had life-long hip issues and despite having them replaced a few years ago is still not in the habit of walking long distances and that carries over to campaigning where door knocking and chatting to voters can prove useful. As a wider view he wonders what can be done for those with disabilities to make standing as a candidate more viable.

“If one was blind or deaf door-to-door campaigning is likely to be difficult and if in a wheelchair probably impossible and providing candidate support to at least even the playing field would be a good idea.”

Wikipedia advises that there have only ever been seven disabled politicians in New Zealand- Adam Adamson, Leon Götz, Norman Jones, John A. Lee, Mojo Mathers, Clutha McKenzie, and Margaret Wilson.

“As a first thought a support person or people could be assigned to the candidate to overcome barriers and then continue on in some form if needed when elected. One of the purposes of democracy is to provide representation of the community and that representation should not exclude anyone simply due to disability.” He said.

Morgan has had a keen interest in politics, democracy and campaigning for decades and is keen to have the environment available to anyone. More of his ideas can be found here: - https://www.facebook.com/VoteThomasMorgan and he would rather like the No.1 vote of Wellington’s Eastern Ward residents.

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