Three people are standing in a by-election for the position of Balclutha ward councillor for the Clutha District Council: Darrell Craig-Mackenzie, Stewart MacDonell, and Ken Payne.
In July, Cr Chris Hargest resigned from the council because of work commitments and a by-election was necessary because the vacancy occurred more than 12 months before the next local elections, due in October 2013.
The elected representative will join Balclutha ward representatives Crs Hamish Anderson, Ron Davis and Mary Johnstone.
Voting opened on Thursday, and closes at noon on October 5.
Balclutha ward residents who are not listed on the final electoral roll for this by-election can enrol at any New Zealand Post Shop until noon on October 4.
Balclutha ratepayers who live outside the area and who are not on the roll can enrol at the council office by the same date.
At a meet-the-candidates forum in Balclutha on Thursday - which attracted fewer than 15 people including councillors - each candidate outlined why they were standing for election.
Candidates were asked three set questions, and the Otago Daily Times summarised each candidate's answers:
Q: What is important about the upgrade of Balclutha's main street, and should this be a priority for the town?
Darrell Craig-Mackenzie: Balclutha main street upgrade is a very important project. The town itself is lovely but the main street layout is very disappointing. More seating is needed.
Stewart MacDonell: Main street very disappointing. His home town of Gore has wide streets. Room for a big trim in the project budget.
Ken Payne: Main street upgrade should be a priority for the town; it is important to have an appealing main street people want to shop in. Undergrounding powerlines great idea.
Q: How should the council prevent the decline of the district's roads as government funding drops?
Darrell Craig-Mackenzie: Council should concentrate on maintaining roads.
Stewart MacDonell: Roading is the biggest expenditure on the council's budget.Some roading maintenance could be done in-house instead of relying heavily on contractors.
Ken Payne: In these times council cannot rely on the Government and should focus on maintenance instead of concentrating on new roading.
Q: What do you think of the delays in the opening of the Balclutha Centennial Pool and how could the council prevent this from happening again?
Darrell Craig-Mackenzie: These sorts of things do happen and the pool has been missed by residents. Does not think the council can do anything when something goes wrong.
Stewart MacDonell: Not sure who is responsible for delays. The council should focus on making sure the job is done right, and the contractor/consultant should not get their final payment until the job is done.
Ken Payne: Everybody is disappointed with the swimming pool. Understands the budget blow-out and other issues. The council just needs to focus on getting the pool open.
Where do they stand?
Balclutha reporter Helena de Reus posed the following questions to the candidates.
1: Why are you standing for Balclutha ward councillor?
2: What is important about the council?
3: What are your interests or community involvement?
Occupation: Self-employed
1: I really love Balclutha and its people and [election] would give me the opportunity to put something back into the community. The town is so lovely and has so much going for it.
2: What I consider important about the council is to work together in a cohesive way, bearing in mind at all times the best interests of the town of Balclutha and its citizens. Understanding starts with listening, and I will listen to Balclutha.
3: My main interest is singing - I have been involved in several musical performances with the South Otago Theatrical Society, I'm a member and past-president of South Otago Ladies' Probus, a member, elder and choir leader of the Balclutha Presbyterian Parish, and enjoy being a grandma to my grandchildren.
Occupation: Accountant
1: I was looking at the makeup of the council and there did not appear to be an accountant or lawyer on council. When boards are appointed to polytechnics and other similar organisations, in the mix of people appointed they always have members with the core business skills of accounting and law. My experience as manager at a polytechnic that had to use public funds and be accountable for my decisions would allow me to understand and appreciate the work that senior council staff were putting into reports to council.
2: It is important in such a large district as this [the council] puts together a plan that looks forward several years and that different areas in the district feel they are getting their share of the rates collect from [their area] spent in their area. It is important that the council, which has spent $4.3 million on the swimming pool, does not turn around and next year budget to spend $2.6 million on the main street of Balclutha and defer projects in other small towns. In a nutshell, equality in the district.
3: I was involved in sports clubs in Gore - athletics, snooker and soccer - and was a member of Gore Toastmasters. My role at Telford as director of finance and administration manager involved being on call 24/7 to cover the hostel staff and assist if there was any emergency. With up to 120 residents aged 17 to 19 on the campus there were a lot of emergencies This meant I had little time for other interests.
Occupation: Senior tutor
1: I was born and raised in Balclutha and I know what a great town and district we live in. I am a proactive person, a good listener and I understand the need for common sense at decision-making times. I care about the future and want to ensure council facilities' services and infrastructure are in good heart for years to come.
2: There are many important aspects of a council and to isolate just one thing would be very difficult. I think a council needs to have solid consultation processes, be unbiased and seek good advice when necessary. It is also important that all councillors can speak candidly, reach a consensus and move on once a decision has been made.
3: Over the years I have been involved with many organisations and groups. I have a genuine interest in the youth of South Otago and have been involved with kindergarten committees and the South Otago High School board of trustees. In my job with Telford, a division of Lincoln University, I am fortunate enough to be working with youth on a daily basis. I have been involved with many recreational pastimes and clubs ranging from hunting, diving, flying, jet-boating, harness racing and, more recently, coaching rugby.
