Candidates quiet on big issues
Council spending, rates, swimming pool, a new bridge, crime, development, water treatment, growth.
These are just some of the issues on the table for any of the six nominees vying for one of the four seats to represent Cambridge at the table of the Waipa District Council to latch onto.
However only one candidate Don Sanders stands out as the one prepared to debate an issue while there is a feeling of complacency among the others.
Three of the candidates standing for the Cambridge Ward Sue Milner, Judy Bannon, and Liz Stolwyk are all experienced councillors looking to retain their seats in this year’s election.
Bannon has indicated she is happy to be judged on her performance which is backed by strong commercial skills in finance, strategic planning and governance.
Milner wants more recreational spaces, improved transport links to Hamilton, heritage protection to retain the character of Cambridge.
Stolwyk looking for her second term wants to keep Cambridge prosperous and is advocating the need for social and economic balance while striving for mutual collaboration based on trust.
Looking to retain his position on council but changing his constituency is Graeme Webber. An advocate of the current direction Cambridge is taking, his focus is helping both young and old achieve what they desire for a better town.
Philip Coles says he’s done ‘‘his apprenticeship’’ at community board level for the past six years is also looking to take the step up to the council table. The self confessed champion of community projects is keen to see Cambridge develop and continually improve in the future.
Don Sanders admits he isn’t a fan of politics or politicians, but his hat is in the ring because he is alarmed about council charges to businesses and ratepayers when council fees are worth more than the actual cost of the job. Sanders wants to see the council demon- strate fiscal restraint, and employ common sense when it comes to spending.
Voting papers will be delivered between September 16-21 and must be returned to council by midday on October 8.
Details for this story researched from the Candidate Information Handbook: waipadc.govt.nz/ourcouncil/Elections/Pages/ Candidates.aspx