Naylor confirms she is standing

CANDIDATE: Karen Naylor is standing in this year's local body elections. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Karen Naylor is even more determined to get into council this time around, pledging her commitment to build a vibrant city that is cost-effective and sustainable.

The ex-mayoress has launched her campaign for this year's local elections. The official date for nominations is tomorrow.

Having recently finished a few local projects, Mrs Naylor says she feels confident she has the time it takes to be in council.

"Palmerston North has been good to me and I see serving as city councillor providing an ideal opportunity for me to invest back into my community. The role is a complex one that needs to balance the needs of this generation with the next, and ensure the city has the right balance of affordability, opportunity and accessibility."

A main concern she has is the increasing rates residents face, and growing city debt.

"I am absolutely committed to ensuring the city continues to be vibrant and provides opportunities. However this needs to be weighed up alongside the financial realities that you can't just keep borrowing more and more."

Asking already struggling families and businesses to keep paying increased rates was not viable, she said.

"We need to ensure that we prioritise and review current spending and current services, to ensure we are getting good value for money."

A recent project Mrs Naylor took the reins on was the Junior Road Safety Park. It is nearing completion and throughout it's process Mrs Naylor negotiated partnerships between the Pascal Street Trust and Palmerston North City Council.

"My experience in fundraising for the Junior Road Safety Park has highlighted to me that it is possible to build quality infrastructure and have good services in the city, without the ratepayer having to foot the entire bill every time."

Mrs Naylor believes firmly that Palmerston North has a variety of opportunities for organisations to collaborate on projects.

"Not only does this relieve ratepayers from the financial burden, but it also develops a greater sense of community ownership."

Mrs Naylor is also seeking to be re-elected on the MidCentral District Health Board which she has been a member of since 2010.