About 100 attended the district’s second candidates evening at Milton’s Coronation Hall, to hear eight Clutha District Council, two mayoral and four Otago Regional Council candidates set out their goals for the area.
Milton’s official signage vaunts it as the "Town of Opportunities" and despite well-publicised short-term challenges concerning infrastructure debt and double-digit rates rises, there was a sense among those attending that the town could live up to its billing.
Cr McCrostie said he would "not make promises", but only influence outcomes with balanced decision-making.
He said pride was growing in local communities thanks to investment in "wellbeing" projects.
Cr Finch said she gave her all, "heart and soul", as a councillor.
She believed the district was continually improving, thanks to the work of strong community groups.
The new Milton ward has a single seat at the council table, for which six candidates are competing.
Larry Frost said money could be saved by budgeting projects "adequately" rather than as "gold-plated".
Nanetta Knowles emphasised the importance of "showing up" as a representative and working alongside the "amazing" Milton community "shoulder to shoulder".
Ricky Boulton said he wanted to use his wide-ranging business and governance skills to enable Milton "to get what it deserves".
Doug Keen advocated for a rates cap linked to inflation, as rates had got out of hand.
Engineer Mark Soper said,
as a parent to young children, he wanted to ensure that Milton became a great place to live.
Chris McDonald said he had helped shape the town’s main street upgrades by advocating for local businesses and remained invested in the growth of the town.
A one-hour question session followed the presentations.
Candidates were quizzed on a range of subjects.
The controversial $19.4 million Milton pool and library service centre project, communication and management styles, ways of maximising the potential of a planned $3 billion "inland port" adjoining the town, were all key topics questions addressed.
Despite calls for "push back" against the government regarding water regulation costs, candidates broadly agreed partnership and communication were key.
Mayoral candidate Jock Martin said he advocated for "transparent, positive" communication, while "owning the mistakes".
Fellow mayoral hopeful Ken Payne advocated for partnership and "quiet" communication.
"Positive relations get positive results."
