Lack of interest ‘a shock’
The lack of people officially putting thier hat in the ring for the up coming council elections has disappointed the South Waikato mayor.
As of Monday, only three people had officially signed up to run despite several potential candidates signalling their interest.
Nominations opened over two weeks ago. They have until 12pm, Friday August 12 to do so.
Outgoing mayor Neil Sinclair said he was disappointed by the lack of nominations.
‘‘I am disappointed as I know several are driving around Tokoroa with their cars sign written and I also understand there are three or more in Tirau,’’ he said.
‘‘I implore people to get their nominations in as it is one of the most important things that anyone can do to serve their community.
‘‘I don’t know why so few nominations have come in. I just can’t understand it. I will be emailing the current councillors to remind them,’’ he said.
‘‘I might have to consider putting my name forward again at the last minute, that would surprise them,’’ he joked.
Tracey Deane, whomade her campaign for mayor official,
was surprised no one else had officially put their name forward.
‘‘It is a bit of a shock because they are already out there campaigning. It is a little bit of cart before the horse,’’ she said.
Deane said there could be several reasons for why potential candidates were leaving things so late.
‘‘There are a lot of factors that have to be organised such as money, sponsors, getting photos taken, and writing your profile piece so these could be reasons for why they haven’t yet made it official,’’ she said.
She encouraged stand.
Current deputy mayor Jenny Shattock has also officially put her name forward for the mayoralty.
Brian Smout, who was the first official councillor nomination, said he was also surprised.
‘‘I would have thought by now more would have been in but it does work in my favour,’’ he said.
Councillors Tua Numanga and Terry Magill announced on Thursday that they would not be seeking re-election but Sinclair said the rest had informed him they would have their nominations in by 4pm on Monday. peopleto