Old foes set to battle for Hamilton mayoralty

By KEVIN TAYLOR

Hamilton's mayoral race is turning out to be a hot contest between two front-runners with a long history of antagonism.

Overall, the race for the $83,000-a-year job is between three serious contenders. Five others are unlike to make much impact.

One-term incumbent Russ Rimmington, who has stood under the "Proudly Independent" banner with several other candidates for the council, is confident.

He has been a constant critic of close rival David Braithwaite, who stood against him in 1998 and got 2452 votes against Mr Rimmington's 11,933 votes.

This time Mr Braithwaite has a clearer run at the job, the only other serious contender being two-term city councillor Jody Garrett.

Mr Braithwaite, who is a city businessman and chairman of the trust leading the controversial $28 million Waikato Stadium being built, has been constantly sniped at over the project by Mr Rimmington.

Another annoyance for Mr Braithwaite has been that Mr Rimmington has been linking him to the Hamilton First election ticket.

Mr Braithwaite denies any involvement in the business-backed ticket, which is chaired by former New Zealand cricketer John Parker.

Mr Parker is the stadium trust deputy chairman , and voters may not believe denials of links between the two.

But Mr Braithwaite has campaigned consistently as an independent.

Hamilton First claims people are sick of council in-fighting and has fielded candidates to contest the council's three wards.

But Mr Parker denies the organisation is backing Mr Braithwaite's mayoralty bid.

Mr Braithwaite has tried to pick up issues such as the city's $120 million debt - which he claims is out of control.

But he has gained little momentum and local politics in Hamilton continues to be plagued by infighting.

The hot issue this election is the much-delayed stadium project, which went through an agonising gestation last year.

New claims of mismanagement and funding shortfalls have emerged in recent weeks, and the controversy will undoubtedly continue long after the election.

The third main mayoral contender is Mr Garrett, who says he has gathered the experience needed to take the city forward with "fresh vision and stable leadership".

Eighteen people, including Kiwi International Airlines founder Ewan Wilson, are seeking five south ward spots on council.

Thirteen people are contesting five west ward positions, and nine are vying for three east ward positions.

Feature: Local body elections 2001

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