FROM THE EDITOR

In this week’s Upper Hutt Leader we continue our coverage of the candidates standing for the Upper Hutt City Council in the upcoming local body elections.

Last week we introduced you to the mayoral candidates, today we meet the first five of the 20 passionate people who are standing for the 10 council seats.

Through Neighbourly we asked you what issues concerned you in your communities, and then asked our candidates their views.

Most people were concerned about their rates, a significant cost for home owners.

The rates rise for the 2016/17 year was set by council in June at an average 4.39 per cent for homeowners, significantly up on the previous year’s 2.87 per cent rise.

But we would like more input from you. Email your letters to editor@uhleader.co.nz or pop onto Neighbourly to see how people in your area are viewing the election. This is the time to have your say. – Sharron Pardoe