On Saturday the results of the Wanganui Local Body Elections became known. The incumbent Mayor had secured 10,000 votes to John Martin's 7000. No landslide, no whitewash, but a win all the same.
Being with John Martin and a group of 50 or so supporters at St.Andrews Hall when the result was announced, was a sobering experience, only made bearable by the composure and magnanimity of John Martin himself. Even as he headed off to conceed to an apparently sombre Vision cabal and Mayor, he exuded the dignity and courage, that we and 7000 others voted for.
What was evident in the room was a strong sense of pride, in the campaign and the candidate and purpose in the minds of everyone assembled there.
We had fought a strong, creative and positive campaign. John gained more votes than last time and the mayoralty, was bestowed back into the hands of the incumbent with only approx 30% of the elligible voting populations backing. Visions un-democratic majority in the Council Chamber was reduced and the playing field levelled a little bit more.
The big job is still ahead. The way local politics is conducted in Wanganui has been changed. We had a strong candidate with some strong allies and strong support, yet it was not enough against a corporate political machine, fielding a Mayor, 10 councillors and a Health Board party . If this was business, we would have called in the monopolies commission!
Over the next 3 years, we, the 7000 need to get more involved. We need to sit on committees, attend meetings, write to the paper, make submissions to the annual plan, challenge Vision and support our independent voices inside and outside Council. More than anything we need more strong independent candidates to step forward for every by-election and the next election, because the best way to change things is from inside the room where decisions are made, not outside the room protesting against decisions already decided.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank John Martin for standing up to be counted and wearing the hopes and aspirations of so many, so well.
For he's a jolly good fellow and so say all of us...
Monday, October 15, 2007
Friday, October 12, 2007
Guilt Free Politics
Over the last few days a story has rumbled on in the Chronicle regarding vandalism towards electoral signage. This has been fuelled by media releases from the Mayor and Vision insinuating involvement on behalf of John Martin or his supporters.
Despite the 'alleged' retraction of these insinuations towards John Martin, the bad taste left by these allegations is still in the air.
When vandalism first appeared on Vision signage, it was no surprise to us that at some point this would be allayed, by Vision, with John, John's supporters, friends of John's supporters and friends of friends of Johns supporters, in fact virtually everyone in town who is not a fully paid up Vision devotee.
It is not unusual for the Mayor to attack and accuse sections of the community of criminal or anti-democratic behaviour. Ironically it is not the gangs or criminal element that is attacked but individuals and groups of pro-active residents, who volunteer a lot of time, energy and expertise to supporting and contributing to the positive growth of Wanganui. The fact that someone does not support the incumbent does not imply they support any other candidates either.
We chose not to fuel the debate and having suffered vandalism of our own signs along with other candidates and had felt this uneccessary. John Martins campaign has been conducted with the utmost regard and respect not only for other candidates but for the electorate and their right to information.
Not only is it unimaginable that John or any of the campaign team would condone or initiate any anti-democratic activities. There would simply be nothing to gain politically or morally from such underhand tactics for a candidate with integrity.
You cannot put a huge billboard of yourself in a public place and not expect some comment, moustache or horns to be added! The vast number of Vision signs and the nature of being the incumbent candidate are going to engender greater critical attention than the less well known potential candidates. A public figure especially such an outspoken one normally has a thicker skin.
Despite the obvious ire of Vision with this vandalism and un-democratic behaviour; Vision saw fit to clone their website with the same name as this blog; an act akin to us creating fake Vision billboards and placing them in front of the real Vision ones. In addition we have watched in bemusement as the word' positive', a word which we do not own but had definitely 'made our own' for the campaign, has been sytematically inserted into Vision publicity. These were direct moves to hinder the effectiveness of our campaign by the Vision team, not the work of unrelated 'activists'. Does the sophistication of the act excuse the intent?
The fact is that politicians do not choose who supports them, the electorate choose who to support, that is democracy.
We are very pleased and proud of the campaign that we have conducted. It has essentially been a community effort against a corporate one. We would like to thank and acknowledge everyone that has actively supported the John Martin campaign, through their time, expertise, commitment and dedication to making Wanganui the best little City in New Zealand.
Kia ora
Notes and Quotes:
We would like to now take this opportunity to reproduce an excerpt from a letter to John Martin (09/10/07) from Mayor Michael Laws regarding his non-support for these allegations and intended retraction.
'I understand that you have taken offence at a media release I circulated to media today and that you believe that there was an implication that you are the candidate implicated in the damage.
I wish to categorically state (and have now done so publicly) that you are not. An amended media release - stipulating that - has beencirculated to the media and posted on my personal website.
Yours sincerely
Michael Laws'
There now follows an excerpt from the latest Media Release from Mayor Michael Laws (12/10/07) regarding this issue.
'The only excitement became just who was destroying Vision Wanganui hoardings and whether it was linked to the camps of opposing candidates.
On that latter issue, there was a night-time sabotage by perhaps one or two individuals. It was organized and it was sustained. It clearly targeted my personal signs and then those of Vision. I have no doubt that a fringe element – drawn from the fringe arts community – were responsible. Unfortunately, for John Martin, they were a fringe element who supported his campaign.'
Thanks for the retraction! We all know 'mud sticks' but who would employ it as a full-time political strategy?
Despite the 'alleged' retraction of these insinuations towards John Martin, the bad taste left by these allegations is still in the air.
When vandalism first appeared on Vision signage, it was no surprise to us that at some point this would be allayed, by Vision, with John, John's supporters, friends of John's supporters and friends of friends of Johns supporters, in fact virtually everyone in town who is not a fully paid up Vision devotee.
It is not unusual for the Mayor to attack and accuse sections of the community of criminal or anti-democratic behaviour. Ironically it is not the gangs or criminal element that is attacked but individuals and groups of pro-active residents, who volunteer a lot of time, energy and expertise to supporting and contributing to the positive growth of Wanganui. The fact that someone does not support the incumbent does not imply they support any other candidates either.
We chose not to fuel the debate and having suffered vandalism of our own signs along with other candidates and had felt this uneccessary. John Martins campaign has been conducted with the utmost regard and respect not only for other candidates but for the electorate and their right to information.
Not only is it unimaginable that John or any of the campaign team would condone or initiate any anti-democratic activities. There would simply be nothing to gain politically or morally from such underhand tactics for a candidate with integrity.
You cannot put a huge billboard of yourself in a public place and not expect some comment, moustache or horns to be added! The vast number of Vision signs and the nature of being the incumbent candidate are going to engender greater critical attention than the less well known potential candidates. A public figure especially such an outspoken one normally has a thicker skin.
Despite the obvious ire of Vision with this vandalism and un-democratic behaviour; Vision saw fit to clone their website with the same name as this blog; an act akin to us creating fake Vision billboards and placing them in front of the real Vision ones. In addition we have watched in bemusement as the word' positive', a word which we do not own but had definitely 'made our own' for the campaign, has been sytematically inserted into Vision publicity. These were direct moves to hinder the effectiveness of our campaign by the Vision team, not the work of unrelated 'activists'. Does the sophistication of the act excuse the intent?
The fact is that politicians do not choose who supports them, the electorate choose who to support, that is democracy.
We are very pleased and proud of the campaign that we have conducted. It has essentially been a community effort against a corporate one. We would like to thank and acknowledge everyone that has actively supported the John Martin campaign, through their time, expertise, commitment and dedication to making Wanganui the best little City in New Zealand.
Kia ora
Notes and Quotes:
We would like to now take this opportunity to reproduce an excerpt from a letter to John Martin (09/10/07) from Mayor Michael Laws regarding his non-support for these allegations and intended retraction.
'I understand that you have taken offence at a media release I circulated to media today and that you believe that there was an implication that you are the candidate implicated in the damage.
I wish to categorically state (and have now done so publicly) that you are not. An amended media release - stipulating that - has beencirculated to the media and posted on my personal website.
Yours sincerely
Michael Laws'
There now follows an excerpt from the latest Media Release from Mayor Michael Laws (12/10/07) regarding this issue.
'The only excitement became just who was destroying Vision Wanganui hoardings and whether it was linked to the camps of opposing candidates.
On that latter issue, there was a night-time sabotage by perhaps one or two individuals. It was organized and it was sustained. It clearly targeted my personal signs and then those of Vision. I have no doubt that a fringe element – drawn from the fringe arts community – were responsible. Unfortunately, for John Martin, they were a fringe element who supported his campaign.'
Thanks for the retraction! We all know 'mud sticks' but who would employ it as a full-time political strategy?
Monday, October 1, 2007
Media Release 28/09/07 - The First Vote is as Important as the Last
John Martin says the recent Chronicle Poll was a rallying call for his supporters and all voters. While the poll indicated a higher level of support for the incumbent at that point he says, "A poll is a poll and not the election and the outcome is still far from decided.
"I will take this as a message to double my efforts, to meet as many of you as possible and to demonstrate to you, the Wanganui electorate, that I am the mayoral candidate to truly fulfil the potential of this town, progressively and with dignity," says John.
"I also urge all of you to use your democratic right and to vote for the best representatives for you and your community."
Polls can be useful in making predictions, he says, but ultimately they don't help voters to make up their minds and don't represent the true voting figures. An independent poll carried out among 500 residents on the street (as opposed to being conducted by phone) gave John a substantial lead and the feedback from the voters surveyed face-to face tells a very different story.
One thing all the polls agree on is that is a two-horse race between the incumbent mayor and John Martin. "My opponent has a bigger budget, three years of media saturation under his belt and plenty of opportunities for 'extra' publicity through council events," says John. "This was always going to be a hard fight. However, I trust in the people of Wanganui when they tell me they want someone who can keep the district moving forward and do it with respect and dignity. I am that person.
"The last vote is as important as the first vote and be assured I will not rest until the last vote is counted and the real result decided."
"I will take this as a message to double my efforts, to meet as many of you as possible and to demonstrate to you, the Wanganui electorate, that I am the mayoral candidate to truly fulfil the potential of this town, progressively and with dignity," says John.
"I also urge all of you to use your democratic right and to vote for the best representatives for you and your community."
Polls can be useful in making predictions, he says, but ultimately they don't help voters to make up their minds and don't represent the true voting figures. An independent poll carried out among 500 residents on the street (as opposed to being conducted by phone) gave John a substantial lead and the feedback from the voters surveyed face-to face tells a very different story.
One thing all the polls agree on is that is a two-horse race between the incumbent mayor and John Martin. "My opponent has a bigger budget, three years of media saturation under his belt and plenty of opportunities for 'extra' publicity through council events," says John. "This was always going to be a hard fight. However, I trust in the people of Wanganui when they tell me they want someone who can keep the district moving forward and do it with respect and dignity. I am that person.
"The last vote is as important as the first vote and be assured I will not rest until the last vote is counted and the real result decided."
Rating System Needs Review
Wanganui's new council needs to take a hard look at how it sets rates for district properties, says mayoral candidate John Martin. He said rates were emerging as a key issue with individuals and community groups he has been meeting during campaigning.
"There's a widespread concern that our rating system has become unfair over recent years. There's also a call for both local and regional rates to be looked at collectively with regard to affordability and priority of effort."
John says this highlights the need for a better partnership between Wanganui District Council and Horizons Regional Council.
He says the report of the National Rates Inquiry panel, released in August, was the product of months of consultation with a wide range of organisations. While weak in some areas and containing some recommendations that are appropriate for larger metropolitan areas only there are some aspects of this report that are relevant to Wanganui.
John says two key recommendations of the Rates Inquiry panel were to abolish differential rates and to move from land values to capital values as the basis for rates. "These are two important issues forWanganui residents and businesses."
"It's definitely time for our council to review our rates processes and consult with all sectors of the community to decide upon the appropriate solution for Wanganui. The current system was designed for a different era – it's time to look at the basics again."
"There's a widespread concern that our rating system has become unfair over recent years. There's also a call for both local and regional rates to be looked at collectively with regard to affordability and priority of effort."
John says this highlights the need for a better partnership between Wanganui District Council and Horizons Regional Council.
He says the report of the National Rates Inquiry panel, released in August, was the product of months of consultation with a wide range of organisations. While weak in some areas and containing some recommendations that are appropriate for larger metropolitan areas only there are some aspects of this report that are relevant to Wanganui.
John says two key recommendations of the Rates Inquiry panel were to abolish differential rates and to move from land values to capital values as the basis for rates. "These are two important issues forWanganui residents and businesses."
"It's definitely time for our council to review our rates processes and consult with all sectors of the community to decide upon the appropriate solution for Wanganui. The current system was designed for a different era – it's time to look at the basics again."
An Open Letter from Annette Main
Three years ago, Wanganui was experiencing a new momentum.
It had taken longer to reach us than it had our neighbours in Taranaki and Manawatu, but houses were selling strongly, businesses were relocating and international visitor numbers were growing as both arts and river based tourism product increased.
Wanganui was ready to make the most of the benefits this momentum would bring. Three years ago Wanganui was also ready for a change in leadership style. Maybe the choice Wanganui made then was the right one for that time.
But I urge you, if you have not yet been able to decide what is best for our future, please think
carefully about your choice for the right Mayor to take us forward. I agree there are positive aspects of the changes that have taken place over the last three years and I agree they need to continue. And as a long-time promoter of all that’s good about this place we call home, I absolutely agree we need to keep up the momentum. But, at the same time I also believe …
This time we need a Mayor who guides, not divides
This time we need a Mayor who respects the views of the independent councillors we elect to serve us
This time we need a Mayor who understands the style of collaborative leadership needed to face
the environmental challenges of the future
This time we need a Mayor who values the cultural diversity of thecommunity he leads and treats all residents with equal respect
And most importantly we need a Mayor who is a full time ambassador for our district…
who represents us in a way we can be proud of… who fulfils our expectations of his position…
who will be alongside us as we celebrate all that is Wanganui… and who will ensure our relationships with other agencies are healthy, respectful and productive.
It is my honest opinion there is only one person we can rely on todo this for us.
And it is my view that for Wanganui’s sake, this time, the right person for Mayor is John Martin.
Annette Main (Horizons Councillor, local businesswoman and River Traders Market founder)
It had taken longer to reach us than it had our neighbours in Taranaki and Manawatu, but houses were selling strongly, businesses were relocating and international visitor numbers were growing as both arts and river based tourism product increased.
Wanganui was ready to make the most of the benefits this momentum would bring. Three years ago Wanganui was also ready for a change in leadership style. Maybe the choice Wanganui made then was the right one for that time.
But I urge you, if you have not yet been able to decide what is best for our future, please think
carefully about your choice for the right Mayor to take us forward. I agree there are positive aspects of the changes that have taken place over the last three years and I agree they need to continue. And as a long-time promoter of all that’s good about this place we call home, I absolutely agree we need to keep up the momentum. But, at the same time I also believe …
This time we need a Mayor who guides, not divides
This time we need a Mayor who respects the views of the independent councillors we elect to serve us
This time we need a Mayor who understands the style of collaborative leadership needed to face
the environmental challenges of the future
This time we need a Mayor who values the cultural diversity of thecommunity he leads and treats all residents with equal respect
And most importantly we need a Mayor who is a full time ambassador for our district…
who represents us in a way we can be proud of… who fulfils our expectations of his position…
who will be alongside us as we celebrate all that is Wanganui… and who will ensure our relationships with other agencies are healthy, respectful and productive.
It is my honest opinion there is only one person we can rely on todo this for us.
And it is my view that for Wanganui’s sake, this time, the right person for Mayor is John Martin.
Annette Main (Horizons Councillor, local businesswoman and River Traders Market founder)
John Invests in Carbon Credits
Wanganui needs to take a progressive approach to sustainability to truly realise its potential both environmentally and economically, says John Martin. "Despite all the recent hubris about reclaiming the river and attracting tourists, Wanganui still doesn’t have a policy on either the environment or tourism," says John. "The two are intrinsically connected and the benefit of an integrated approach is enormous.
Sustainability means managing a resource responsibly now, so that the same resource will be thriving in the future. This is good common sense whether you are dealing with the environment, the economy or the community."
He says the first step is to have a council that leads by example in its own daily operations as well as its strategic approach. A Wanganui of the future with a clean river, attractive port, re-generated tourism industry, successful farming and protection against environmental risks are all achievable together.
“So to mark this stage in the election campaign I thought I’d compensate for some of the political hot air of the past few weeks by investing some of my funds in natural carbon credits and put something healthy back into the community by planting a few trees. With local politics reaching a new high in seriousness I intend to take this campaign to the last day and have fun doing it!”
Monday, September 24, 2007
Poll Position
Mayoral Candidate John Martin is smiling at the results of a telephone poll publicised by Michael Laws today. “This is political gamesmanship at it’s best,” said Mr Martin. “Mr Laws is very much a creature of habit and it’s his standard tactic to release a favourable poll result at this point in the voting process. If his polling is as accurate as his budget control he must be worried.”
Mr Martin said he has no intention of commissioning any out of town agency to conduct polling as he is talking directly with Wanganui residents, getting a clear and positive message from them that they have had enough of manufactured spin. “Besides, I could not afford to pay for polling and remain within the campaign budget allowed by the electoral act. “
“This has been an enjoyable election campaign with a never ending list of invitations to talk with groups and individuals. People have gladly engaged to give me their perspective on a host of issues and that’s invaluable.”
(The results of a local poll undertaken by an Independent Council candidate are due to be released to the media today)
Mr Martin said he has no intention of commissioning any out of town agency to conduct polling as he is talking directly with Wanganui residents, getting a clear and positive message from them that they have had enough of manufactured spin. “Besides, I could not afford to pay for polling and remain within the campaign budget allowed by the electoral act. “
“This has been an enjoyable election campaign with a never ending list of invitations to talk with groups and individuals. People have gladly engaged to give me their perspective on a host of issues and that’s invaluable.”
(The results of a local poll undertaken by an Independent Council candidate are due to be released to the media today)
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