Didn't bother to register.... I have contempt for the inequity in the process so I went early and told everyone arriving, experienced public speaker as I am, and especially those who could hear me inside the foyer (apparently I could be heard inside the auditorium) why so.... I was standing next to the signs calling it a  'forum' [Cambridge Dictionary - in which people can talk about a problem or matter especially of public interest:]  The sign  was "mayoral candidates". (not 'selected mayoral candidates') so it misrepresented everything that it said it was. Neither a forum OR a participant lead test of ideas.

The Press guy came to get my number, (and photo) I wanted the photo next to the sign but he already had one he said. That's OK. We will see tomorrow if the Press is balanced. The feedback I have is Minto is a socialist stooge and Parks should stick to his core business of getting people to partake in fermented liquors and distilled spirits... apparently he believes being good at that is a qualification for leading a city. Which, If I am guessing right will have Leanne a clear winner.

That it was all in all a pretty crap debate.... and if that's the best we can put up we are severely shortchanging ourselves.

I hope the media pick up on my call, 'we paid for our town hall, we fixed our town hall, it has been our town hall for just 'this kinda thing' so why the hell are we standing outside in the rain (small venue).

Gravely concerning when a debate with three candidates chosen to represent the cities only  'mayoral debate' on issues is mediated by 'you have to have an email address to get in, and you have to give your email address to ask a question.' - the compare/journalist sought no questions on points of difference from those raised by candidates yet climate change (the youth vote?) and the likes of accessible cities etc etc...were really subjects treated with triviality. I heard nothing that would encourage 'new voters' into the election processes, (>60% non-participation in civics) and I certainly heard nothing 'innovative/creative" about such things as the absorption of the red zone etc. making the conference centre work, or ensuring a possible stadium would not be a millstone. Nothing meaningful on the three waters either. Nothing of substance on energy, sustainability, resilience, fixing the damn third world roads, Chlorine or Nitrogen ... light rail has been all but forgotten but we can build a fabulous hot pool that will be the first to go in a manifestly angry ocean event.

If Parks gets in, we are selling up, is the sentiment coming from our house! 

What is needed is a real civic debate.... and with Tubby Hanson!  (for without him. it is proof evident democracy has been shafted, with him it is proof incontrovertible, democracy is alive and well.)

I have an idea for 'proponents of asset sales, sell the damn stadium, the metro sports centre and the conference centre.... 'new and unused, unwanted gifts.'.

Jeez, I love this electioneering stuff.....perhaps canvassing is a good word at this time, since it too is a cannabis word! (and the city has to deal with all that means too! within whatever legislative framework exist post reeferendum, just as it does currently with alcohol and tobacco )

Blair Anderson,
"Blair for Mayor" and any number in the top five for DHB. 
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