David Somerset campaigns for Progressive in Wellington Central

The Progressive party has selected David Somerset to campaign exclusively for party votes in Wellington Central in this year's election, says deputy leader Matt Robson.

"People that I talk to know about the forward-looking economic development and social policies that Matt Robson and Jim Anderton's Progressive Party has brought to the heart of Helen Clark's government," David Somerset said today.

"My target in this campaign is to convince 1,000 voters in the electorate to vote in favour of another three years of progressive policies by giving their party vote to the Progressive Party," he said.

"Since 1999, progressive policy achievements include winning working people an extra minimum paid week's leave a year, the establishment of an industry and regional development framework that has assisted to create 264,000 new jobs and the establishment of New Zealand-owned Kiwibank offering lower fees at more outlets where profits stay in our country instead of being sent overseas in dividends to foreign owners," David said.

"We have a rock solid track record of getting good things done for working people, for students and for the retired over the past six years inside of government.

"In this year's election we are campaigning to cut the debt burden of graduates in return for them using their skills working in New Zealand and we are campaigning for increased financial assistance for retired people on fixed incomes," David Somerset said.

"My message is that if you support progressive policies, then give your party vote to Progressive," he said.

See also: www.progressiveparty.org.nz/candidates

ENDS

A self-employed script writer these days, David Somerset has had a rich working life spanning

education and journalism. He taught in primary schools for 15 years, was a broadcaster (in radio and television)

for 15 years, has taught English in China and has acted with the Gansu Theatre Troupe in China. David has a website for his stories www.tellatale.co.nz.

David's tertiary qualifications include a Diploma of Teaching, a Master of Arts in English Language and Literature

and a Certificate of Proficiency in Maori Language. An active member of his community all of his life, David has been involved with the Parent Teachers' Association, the Wellington Night Shelter as well as Wellington Search and Rescue in the past.

David enjoys mountaineering, skiing and theatre.

The Progressive Party is a partner in the coalition government first elected in 1999. Its leader, Jim Anderton, is the third-ranked Cabinet Minister with responsibility for Economic, Industry and Regional Development and for driving the coalition government's campaign against drug abuse.

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