Invercargill mayoral candidate Toni Biddle has pledged her first 30-day commitments if elected.

Biddle says standing for Mayor is not just about the campaign but more about being prepared to lead the city.

“It is important that Mayoral candidates are transparent and understand what they can actually do if elected”, Biddle said.

“There are a lot of promises made during election time, and many times the promises are not fulfilled due to the lack of experience around understanding what the mayoral role is.

Biddle has outlined her intentions in the first thirty days if elected. This includes the recommendation to the council to appoint a Deputy Mayor with excellent governance experience, respect in the community, and has campaigned on council unity.

Biddle has also pledged zero tolerance to inappropriate behaviour and says there will be no mobile phones in the chamber if elected.

“I have continued to watch council meetings and it has been obvious that phones can be a distraction This is unnecessary and unacceptable that elected members are on their phones during meetings. This is just common sense and courtesy.”

Biddle has also pledged to lead the biggest decision the council will make in the first six months, the appointment of the Chief Executive Officer.

“I will lead this with assertiveness, professionalism, and integrity to ensure we have the best outcome for our organisation, city, and our people.”

Other commitments include reinstating the full council delegations, which were taken from the full council in 2020, and setting a council culture that “enables” community.

“We all have to remember that we are public servants and must treat people as we would expect to be treated,” Biddle said.