If local body elections were held today Sheryl Mai would likely become Whangarei Mayor if the results of a straw poll after the first meet the mayoral candidates event last night.
More than 500 people packed into Forum North's Exhibition Hall last night to hear all 12 Whangarei mayoral candidates - Stuart Bell, Glenn Chapman, Crichton Christie, Vince Cocurullo, Shelley Deeming, Sheryl Mai, Greg Martin, Isopu Samu, Stan Semenoff, Warren Slater, Warwick Syers and Graham Tadman - say why they should get the job and answer questions.
Straw poll papers were handed out asking people to indicate who had impressed them most after the event and of the 247 voting papers returned Ms Mai, who has been a Whangarei District Councillor previously - gathered the most support with 94 ticks.
While the straw poll is unscientific, it is an indication of how those at the meeting felt the candidates did on the night. As well as a two minute opening address saying why they should be mayor, the candidates also answered questions from the Northern Advocate, Northland Chamber of Commerce and Classic Hits FM, who organised the event.
Mr Slater, who has stood unsuccessfully as mayor previously, polled the next highest with 43 responses followed by another former councillor who has also stood unsuccessfully for mayor Mr Samu.
