Tommy Wilson: Who will win the Tauranga City Council byelection?

Tauranga council chambers

It's buy sell and exchange time but not as we know it.

There is more horse trading going on around town than a sales yard after a fresh brood of Kaimanawa nags have been dropped off - and it's all about winning votes.

And right in the middle are 20 candidates all vying for one seat on the table of the Tauranga City Council.

In two Tuesdays' time we will know who has won the byelection here in Tauranga and it all comes down to what each candidate is prepared to buy, sell and exchange to have their seat on the round table of elected members. It's a seat left by the sad and sudden departure of Gail McIntosh, who from all accounts stood by what she said and was of the opinion if you didn't stand for something you fell for anything.

So who will stand up, stand tall and work with and not against the other elected members?

This afternoon I was asked to ask a question for the live debate being screened tonight and given I could only ask one question, I thought I would ask the rest via my column and give my two bob's worth of who I thought was worthwhile voting for – in my opinion.

My understanding of the current councillors is there are two camps and a mayor in the middle who usually has the casting vote if needed.

What both camps are hoping is the veil of Gail will be lifted on May 1 and their camp will hold the balance of power. Well that's how it seems to me after talking to our community kingpins who know more than most when it comes to what is needed to take Tauranga from penny-pinching pale male and stale to a vibrant, exciting, culturally cool safe city that our kids will want to call home.

They are an eclectic bunch of billboarded photoshopped standing candidates, some for the first time, some should be for the last time, some look like age has treated them kindly since their last crack at being elected. And then there are some who should know better and like a beautiful Kaimai sunset - simply fade away.

Some will appeal to different demographics, some are local and loyal who will work tirelessly to take Tauranga forward, some have hearts of gold and some have put their hands in their own pockets to help those in the city.

In terms of questions, here are mine.

How will you help the homeless? Should we ban the beggars? What will you do to help the poor buggers who got ripped of by Bella Vista? Do you support a Maori ward and what about the museum? Should it be a cultural centre/tourist attraction/museum all in one - or a stand alone, one visit in a lifetime for locals?

All that aside it will be a byelection where those who know their back yard best will take the seat.

For all of us asking the questions and looking for the answers we wait until two Tuesdays' time. Who will take Tauranga to a place where kindness matters as does a culturally cool footprint? A Tauranga where the currency of success in a council is measured in mana and not money - and most of all the successful candidate builds bridges and not barriers.

broblack@xtra.co.nz

Tommy Wilson is a local writer and best selling author.