Local Government Election Year – Good Candidates Needed

With less then 10 days to go before nominations close for this year’s local authority elections, the Local Government Forum is encouraging business friendly candidates to stand for councils around the country.

“With businesses paying about half the country’s rates bill and council decisions being so influential in determining the quality of the business environment, it is essential that councillors have a good understanding of the issues facing business” said Forum spokesman Don Nicolson.

“Given the importance of local government to New Zealand, it is also essential that councils are well-governed and we think business people have a lot to offer in this regard.

“We need good candidates to put their names forward. We also need the business community and residential rate payers to take the elections seriously and vote for candidates that can provide the leadership we clearly need.

“There is too much apathy in local government with voter turnout rates low and falling – 44% in 2007 compared with 61% in 1992. Good candidates will make a difference and we also hope the media plays an active and constructive role.

“Individual members of the Forum intend to scrutinise and benchmark candidates’ policies. Attention will be paid to the voting record and actions of the councils and councillors.

“Local government plays a crucial role for our local and regional economies and touches every business and every member of society every day. We need good people governing them” concluded Mr Nicolson.

Candidate nomination forms for the 2010 local authority elections are available from councils. Nominations close at noon on Friday 20 August. Voting papers will be delivered to electors from 17-22 September and voting closes at 12 noon on Saturday 9 October.

ENDS

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