Why I want to be mayor

There are three candidates running for the mayoral chains in Masterton, including incumbent Mayor Garry Daniell , Gary Caffell and Lyn Patterson.

Gary Caffell

Mayoral candidate

Mr Caffell said his drive to become mayor was around community, and the best interests of ratepayers.

He also took time to make his views plain on the unitary authority, saying he had originally been in favour, but the Martin Jenkins report had convinced him otherwise.

"It said the unitary authority was a viable proposition.

"The thing that got me was the number of assumptions, probably 25 assumptions on how the unitary authority could be viable.

"In general life, when we assume things, it's very seldom that 100 per cent of the time, we assume right."

He said he was not convinced it was a great idea in terms of affordability.

"I believe there are too many risks involved. The medium wage here is $25,000 - there's no way people can afford rates increases."

Mr Caffell wanted councillors to become more answerable to the public around specific roles.

"I would like to see every councillor take on a portfolio.

"They report back to council what's happening, the good news, the bad news. It makes them more responsible."

Mr Caffell said he was "very strongly" in favour of helping social service organisations in Masterton.

"They need to be given a better deal then they are at the moment."

Garry Daniell

Masterton mayor

Mr Daniell reminded the audience of his long service with Masterton District Council, which began in 1989, and his two terms as mayor.

He cited his experiences in developing Masterton's Mitre 10, resulting in 80 jobs.

He also said he was very proud of the track record of the incumbent council.

"Riversdale sewage scheme completed, at Castlepoint, we've extended the sea wall - beach races able to be held."

He pointed out Masterton's projects, including the nearly-completed town square, the all-weather track and the multiplex.

"We have seven grandchildren, between 5 and 11.

"It's really important to me, the environment they are in, the future they have.

"I'm determined their future will be in the best place available."

Lyn Patterson

Mayoral candidate

Ms Patterson made her declaration plain.

"I'm a second term councillor, had enjoyable challenges and a very rewarding six years.

"I now want to be the next mayor."

She said regardless of the outcome of the unitary authority bid, Masterton needed a mayor to provide "the leadership and advocacy throughout this change".

"We know we are a low-wage economy. For me, that has always been a motivator to do the best we can for the people of Masterton."

She felt confident Wairarapa could "got it alone" with a unitary authority.

"Masterton must focus on developing its economy, advocating new businesses. We have enormously innovative people in our community."

Ms Patterson said it was "long overdue" for the council to sit down with the local community trusts and work together to drive the economy.

"The business of Air New Zealand flights was devastating. Flights from here to Wellington do not cut it for me.

"We must push central government to back these flights."

She said she believed in Masterton.

"I want to give people a reason to stay here, families and businesses a reason to come here.

"I don't pretend to have all the answers.

"I'm honest about this region.

"I'm prepared to work with people, work with government, work with community trusts, to get Masterton moving."