John Martin the Winner in Chronicle Poll

John Martin was the clear winner in a poll held as part of the Mayoral Forum on Monday September 17.

In a front page story the next day titled ‘Martin tops mayoral forum poll’, the Wanganui Chronicle reported that John received 64 votes to Michael Laws’ 41. Out of the also-rans, Randhir Dayha, Russell Fleming and Chandra Osborne, only Russell Fleming secured one vote.

People who heard the candidates speak on Monday night were asked to say who they would vote for if an election was held tomorrow, and in another question, 57 percent said hearing the candidates speak helped them decide who to vote for.

"It’s a great result, four weeks out from the election," says John Martin. "Most importantly, it reflects what I have been hearing all over the district. There’s a growing mood for change with people focusing particularly on mayoral style and wanting to see Wanganui’s image rebuilt after the unfortunate effects of the past three years."

John said the question and answer format of Monday’s forum gave candidates the chance to discuss real issues, as well as show their ability to project a mayoral style that the city can relate to. "I think the poll result was a reflection of that. But it’s also good to be able to interact with people at a more personal level at the meetings I’m having around Wanganui and I invite anyone who is interested in gaining a deeper understanding of who I am and my approach to the mayoralty to come along, hear what I’ve got to say, and ask questions about issues that concern them."

You can meet John at Wanganui East Bowling Club at 7pm on Tuesday September 25, and further meeting dates and venues will be advertised in the press and on this website.