Day 54 #1

Southland App provided a five question opportunity

 
What, in your opinion, is the major issue facing Invercargill and what will you do to address it if elected?

The major issue is lack of representative leadership. We do not feel that these leaders are us. Council ethics abide outside of our everyday lived experiences and thought processes - trust is low and voter apathy is high. We want to trust that our council takes ambassadorship seriously and is running our collective business with excellence.

My campaign diary provides an opportunity to know what sort of character I am, where my values lie, and the style of my leadership. Along the way, I explain how it came about that I wanted to be our PM (prior to deciding to run for mayor) and I lead us through the political concept of 'All Us Moderates'. We are the Majority. The first step in taking hold of our power is to vote for hope.

Aligning with the importance of strong representative leadership, we need to kick mainstream media to touch. They've lost the plot. The widening gap between the editors and us is now beyond a joke. If I were elected as mayor, I'd keep giving them serious cheek until it's sorted.
 

What are the most positive aspects of life in Invercargill and what can be done to enhance them?

I always find it a bit tricky to say that strong families rock. It's such a no-brainer.

I think we have reached a crossroads in our history regarding whether we have a family friendly nation, or not. We have a serious problem with elitist non representative lawmakers who disregard our family values.

One obvious chain reaction is our impossible LGNZ legislation. We all know it's harming us - but what can be done? Here's one example of what I would do --- If I were your next mayor, when the council is due to participate in a team lesson (sometimes including overnight treats) regarding the Local Government Act, I would boycott it. I would tell the central government to make that Act manageable by our standards. Like you, I would be at home with my family, and I would spend my working day listening to the ratepayers and learning my mayoral job. I would be a mayor who could never sell her soul - not even for a little coziness with 'the team'. You would be my team.

The way to enhance our community is via strong families.You don't need to be told. You just need a break.


The average rate increase for 2022/2023 financial year is around 7.1%. Families are struggling with inflation in general. Should the council continue to raise rates over the coming years to meet infrastructure and other needs, or drastically slash its budgets?

Rates should never be set above inflation and I believe we could even set them lower than inflation and still maintain our infrastructure.
Wastage
Wastage
Wastage....
....and pipe dreams.
I would make it stop....
....and we would be culturally happier.
Then, in the future we would be in a position of having nice things.
There is nothing drastic about this stance.
HOPE, and living realistically.

What's your view on Three Waters? And, generally, is Government taking too much power away and decision-making from the regions? How would you advocate for Invercargill on a national level?

"NO" to Three Waters.
For decades, we have tolerated central government over reach. We are now experiencing epic levels of bullying, authoritarianism and indoctrination. This won't change by voting in National.
Read my public diary to get an idea of how I would advocate for Invercargill and Bluff on a national level.
There is a nice little word called "no".

Why should people vote for you? What are your election promises?

I have offered you my servant-hood.
I popped up from within us, the quiet Majority.
Everybody feels either overwhelmed or complacent.
I'm pretty sure I would fight the hardest for you and therefore you would be successful.
I wish you all the very best.