Who should be Gore District's next mayor?

With locals due to vote in the local elections by noon, this Saturday, October 8, we've asked the two candidates for their opinions on the major issues facing the district. We've run the answers over the weeks leading up to the election.

This week, we asked: Why should people vote for you? What are your election promises?

Here are the candidates' answers:

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Ben Bell

Age: 23

Occupation: Director/business owner (Software Development)

Why should people vote for you? What are your election promises?

I will bring passion, commitment and leadership to the Council. I am focused on building a functional, engaged and high-trust team, where we can have robust debates and bring a range of opinions to the table. I want our community to engage with their elected members, and that they feel they can go to their ward or district wide councillor with their issues and concerns, and be genuinely heard.

I want to bring the Council back to basics. This is not a promise - it is merely what needs to be done. The Council cannot continue down its current path – it is simply not sustainable for our ratepayers and our communities. I will make sure we have a strong voice on the issues that matter for our community; and that as Councillors we do what we can to make a positive difference and deliver core services well for everyone who lives in our District.

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Tracy Hicks

Age: 70

Occupation: Mayor

Why should people vote for you? What are your election promises?

Firstly, I am a local.

Myself and my family have six generations of history as residents, business operators, elected councillors and mayors, teachers, shop keepers, sportsmen and women invested in the Gore District.

I have strong local partnerships across all sectors and developed over time. I have strong regional relationships across councils, Government agencies, Not for Profit organizations, regional funders all of which operate within an environment of trust and respect.

At the national level I have developed a strong connection across government and key political parties to work in the best interest of the Gore District.

I am apolitical and work collaboratively with the government of the day irrespective of where they sit on the political map. I do not belong to any political party.

My single focus is to work hard with all who will join me to build the capability and capacity of the Gore District.

Items such as access to affordable health care, Waste minimization, affordable housing and flood risk are all priorities of mine.

Gore District is embedded in my DNA and I will do all I can, using the experience and connections I have to make this the best place it possibly can be to be home for our next generation. I would appreciate your support.