In a social media post over the weekend Dunedin Mayor Jules Radich said he was focused on sustainability, growth and flow in the leadup to October’s election.
"Flow primarily pertains to three areas — water flow, people flow and cash flow," he said.
"After one term as mayor, things are coming along, and I am looking for community support to continue in the role," he said.
Particular areas of focus for him would be continued improvements in South Dunedin to address flooding issues, continuing to push for the new Dunedin hospital to be built as planned and holding those responsible to account, and stopping the brain drain from the city.
"While the key to our past prosperity was gold from the hinterland, the key to our future is brain power. My goal is to retain the brains we train."
Mr Radich, who is not campaigning as part of a ticket this time, told the Otago Daily Times these were all things he had focused on in his time as mayor but "obviously" there was still plenty to do.
Mr Simms has very publicly opposed Dunedin Railways operating in the Taieri Gorge for several years, lobbying for the railway to be turned into a cycle trail instead.
In the post Mr Simms noted "the intense advocacy" of fellow ticket member Jarrod Hodson in forming Future Dunedin’s position on the matter.
Asked why the change of heart for him personally, Mr Simms told the ODT Dunedin Railways was "kind of" heading in the right direction.
"While they’ve still made a loss, they’ve halved the loss this season from last season."
He said the council needed to gather more data before a decision was made.
"Yes, it’s a historic part of Dunedin. It’s an important part of the Dunedin tourism offering.
"But it is costly and it’s never going to make a profit and I think that equation needs to be fully and transparently put in front of the ratepayers."
He supported public consultation on the matter.
In his post Mr Radich also said the council’s recent decision to approve the Smooth Hill landfill was not a popular idea among those who had "contrary vested interests".
Although Mr Radich declined to specify who he was referring to, Mr Simms, a vocal critic of the landfill, volunteered to the ODT that he resented "the accusation" in Mr Radich’s post, and that he opposed Smooth Hill because it would add to the city’s debt.
