Former young councillor lauds youthful bid for council
The last time a 24-year-old stood for local government in Timaru was when a young Ray Bennett stood for the council in 1956, until now, the youngest ever.
Now, 66-years on, the man who rose to become the mayor of Timaru in 1971 and 1980 is wishing Troy Titheridge all the best in campaigning, as more people are nominated for the local body elections.
Titheridge, 24, grew up in the district and believes he can offer a younger voice which is important when the council is making decisions about the future and ‘‘young people are the future of the district’’, he said.
He is one of several people to throw their hat into the ring for a seat around the Timaru District Council. By 3.30pm yesterday eight people had been nominated for the nine councillor positions. No-one had been nominated for mayor.
‘‘I’m standing to pick up the baton and make up for lost decades with a younger perspective around the council table,’’ Titheridge said.
‘‘I am not here to make big promises and under-deliver.’’
Bennett said was pleased to hear of a young person putting their name forward, but said the first term was all about learning.
‘‘I wish him all the best,’’ he said. ‘‘I wish I was the same age, so I could do it all again.’’
Titheridge said he is committed to the role if elected and his ‘‘head and heart are keen to make a difference for the district’’.
‘‘I wholeheartedly believe that the makeup of councillors around the table must reflect the varied backgrounds, cultures, ages, demographics, skills, and experience that is abundant in our community.
‘‘When making decisions it’s important that effective communication and dialogue is being had with the community.’’
Titheridge said he has skills and had experience in governance, non-profit, advisory, and chairmanship roles in the district – and served as the Timaru District Youth Council chairman for over a year.
Meanwhile, Pleasant Point-Temuka ward candidate Scott Shannon, who is running for the position alongside Michelle Pye, said whoever is elected has big shoes to fill.
There are two spots for the Pleasant Point-Temuka ward.
‘‘I have been thinking about doing it for a while. I have been a board chair, I am a JP, and with my business, in the main street [of Temuka] I meet a lot of people,’’ Shannon said.
He said Pleasant Point-Temuka ward councillors, Paddy O’Reilly and Richard Lyon, were leaving the ward in good shape.
‘‘Even though they have done a great job, you can’t help but see opportunities,’’ and he sees things he would like to prioritise.
‘‘Everyone in Temuka would tell you that our main street is quiet. I want to help develop it and see business coming in for retailers and businesses on the main street. The town centre is the heart of our community,’’ he said.
Shannon said he had expected more people to put their names forward for the elections earlier.
‘‘People might be holding their cards close to their chest,’’ he said.
In other areas, Gavin Oliver is seeking re-election of the Geraldine ward, while Allan Booth is seeking reelection for Timaru.
Oliver said he was standing again because he had a few projects he would like to see to fruition.
‘‘It takes about six months to get your foot under the desk and I had disjointed term due to Covid-19,’’ he said.
‘‘I really enjoyed working with, and for, the council and enjoyed supporting the Geraldine township.’’
Three new candidates for Timaru were confirmed yesterday – Peter Bennett, Stacey Scott, and Shane Wilson.
So far, Peter Scott is the only nomination for Environment Canterbury South Canterbury/ Ō tuhituhi Regional Constituency.