Four horse race for mayor

With Neil Sinclair stepping down after 12 years as mayor, who will be South Waikato’s next leader?

Jenny Shattock, Alan Blair, Tracey Deane and Jarrad Gallagher are all campaigning for the mayoral role.

Shattock said she has the experience to get over the line having grown up in the South Waikato and being deputy mayor for the past nine years.

Shattock said she wouldn’t put her hand up if she didn’t think she could do the job.

‘‘I have to rate my chances otherwise I wouldn’t do it.

‘‘I want it, I’m a hard-worker and I’m the best person for the job because of my experience.’’

Blair announced his candidacy back in March and also rates his chances.

‘‘People I speak to are looking for a change of governance leadership that they are very unlikely to get if the Deputy Mayor is elected.’’

Blair said he has a proven track record as a leader both in the community and at work, and has the nous, skills and experience to do the job.

He said the right to vote is available to only a small minority of the world’s population – hence it is a privilege.

‘‘If people who are able, fail to vote, it is kick in the face of those whose aspirations are to be living in a democracy such as ours.

‘‘By voting in the elections the community has a collective voice.’’

Deane said she wants to make the biggest difference the South Waikato has seen in a decade.

She backs her chances for mayor this year and said she came close at the last election.

Deane said people should vote for who they connect with best.

Meanwhile, Gallagher describes himself as the young guy on the block who is looking to make a difference.

‘‘I really believe there are opportunities to reshape some of the areas and it takes someone with the vision in council to take some big steps and make these changes.’’

He said participation is a key part of what he wants to do.

‘‘People need to get out there and vote so they can have their say.’’

Gallagher said if people don’t vote their concerns won’t be heard and changes won’t be made.