I was born in Dunedin and apart from my big OE and my time in the air force I have spent most of my working adult life in Dunedin and the last 21 years here in Mosgiel as owner of Mosgiel Computers ltd.
I feel it is time to give something back to the community with my experience. So as a mayoral candidate living in Mosgiel I wish to inform Mosgiel residents of my intention to support the new swimming pool plans. The pool is necessary to teach children swimming, as central government's reduction to education funding has caused many schools to close their pools, which has resulted in youths not getting necessary swimming lessons.
This is a factor in the New Zealand-wide increase in drownings. Swimming should be requirement of the NZ school curriculum and the council should support the Mosgiel swimming pool as its part in helping keep little Kiwis safe in and on the water.
The next issue I wish to address is the heavy traffic going through the main street of Mosgiel - the amount and speed of these large vehicles is such I feel public safety is being put at risk.
It can only be a matter of time before a serious accident occurs. I remember a truck going south had 2 wheels come off and one bounce around the Countdown car park and just miss me. The other, I believe, landed at the memorial park beside the police station. I feel it is time to revisit policy and have council add support to having changes made in the interests of public safety.
Further to traffic and pedestrian safety, the council should ask for a review regarding additional traffic lights along Gordon Rd, especially near the NZ Post office and the Warehouse as the increased traffic is becoming impeded at high volume times. And children are especially being put at risk crossing the road.
To cater for the increasing population of Mosgiel, additional public toilets should be available.
Dunedin also needs additional hotel accommodation as this is becoming a national tourism problem which we lost by our past council. Especially considering the popularity of the Otago Excursion Train Trust and regular cruise ship arrivals. Dunedin must become a destination and not just a stopover. This must also include a upgrade to Dunedin Airport to handle increased flights.
I look forward to the opportunity to serve the whole of Dunedin as Mayor and to ensure Mosgiel is not forgotten.
- Authorised by Athol Bayne, 149 Gordon Rd, Mosgiel, 489-7699
