AS PART of the mayoral election being held by the Stratford District Council, we have asked the two candidates, Neil Volzke and Rusty Kane, to each provide the same size profile of themselves and answers to three questions. These are printed below.
Voting papers will be posted later this month and the closing date for votes is midday on November 12. The result will be known later that day and confirmed by November 18. The successful candidate will be sworn in as district mayor on November 24.
Neil Volzke
Elections are about choice. This mayoral election has two candidates that offer our community two very different sets of credentials from which to choose.
I have been an elected member of council for the last eight years, including two years as Deputy Mayor and in recent months as Acting Mayor. For me, in the latter months particularly, it has been an interesting, challenging and rewarding experience.
I have no doubt that councils and communities benefit enormously by having stability in their leadership and direction. We have been very fortunate in that way in the past. Consistent with this, I have the necessary council experience and knowledge to take up the position of Mayor.
My involvement in business and with local community organisations has provided a broad background of understanding and management skills, which add to the mix of my credentials.
As an example, by way of comparison, my opponent has no council experience, no local community involvement and lives in New Plymouth. In this election, there is a clearly a choice for voters to make.
I believe that the role of the mayor is not so much about yourself or imposing a personal agenda of your own. It's about the people who trust you and elect you to fulfil the position to the best of your abilities. You have to act in the best interests of the majority and provide leadership. That is my goal and commitment. It requires an open door approach and being respectful of other' opinions.
I consider myself to be "in touch" with our community, approachable, honest and I have a willingness to make sound, logical decisions.
My understanding of both rural and urban issues will help ensure a balanced approach. We are one district, but the priorities for the different sectors within our community vary greatly. I foresee that the ever increasing costs of providing services will impact more and more on councils, increasing the pressures on the resources available.
I support community initiatives that promote economic progress, as our future is dependent on maintaining and achieving economic and population growth. It is one way of minimising the effects of continual rate increases that councils are forced to make.
I have every faith that our community will exercise their right to vote and make an informed decision. I ask for your support.
WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE THE BEST ASSETS OF THE STRATFORD DISTRICT AND HOW SHOULD THEY BE PROMOTED?
The people and the strong sense of community pride. This makes Stratford a great place to live. We have outstanding, affordable, recreational facilities in the centre of the region and offer a relaxed lifestyle choice that few can match. Our community has low crime statistics, affordable housing and quality infrastructure. As a service centre to a strong rural community we are second to none. To promote the District, we need to keep telling others about the benefits of living here.
WHAT DO YOU THINK IS MOST LACKING IN THE DISTRICT AND HOW CAN THAT BE REMEDIED?
Employment opportunities and access to health and social services are constantly brought to the attention of councillors. The lack of an immediate after hour's medical service in particular, causes concern. Council needs to remain a strong advocate for the community on social and health issues. Over time we have seen services eroded or centralised elsewhere. I support the proposed Health Centre and Community House in Stratford as ways of facilitating ongoing services.
WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE LONG TERM FUTURE OF SMALLER DISTRICT COUNCILS LIKE STRATFORD?
Despite its small size, I am confident Stratford can remain a strong and independent authority. To do this, we need to focus on maintaining the momentum that will achieve economic and population growth. Stratford is a great place to live and raise a family; we need to promote this more.
A major challenge is controlling costs to ensure the lowest possible rates levels, while maintaining our assets and delivering the services currently enjoyed by our rate payers. It's a fine balancing act requiring ongoing attention. Ratepayers expect council to operate efficiently and achieve value for money. I understand the concerns and offer a common sense approach when making the decisions around them.
Rusty Kane
WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE THE BEST ASSETS OF THE STRATFORD DISTRICT AND HOW SHOULD THEY BE PROMOTED?
Farming is the Stratford District's primary asset, along with tourism. Many outside Stratford do not know of the district's many outdoor natural attractions – the mountain, National Park, gardens, Forgotten Highway, heritage trails and walkways. Or of Stratford's world-class community facilities, modern art gallery, indoor heated swimming pool complex and the multi-sports centre. The Stratford District has something for every body of all ages and activity levels. From golf, skiing, snowboarding, tramping, canoeing, car and horse racing, to bird watching and sightseeing, Stratford is one of New Zealand's special places but that fact is not widely known. If elected as your Mayor I will encourage families, businesses and tourists alike to come visit, live, work and enjoy the district, by promoting the districts many attractions to other regions.
Stratford's other main asset I believe is its people, their great character and attitude. If elected I intend to enhance this community spirit and sense of rural charter, by focusing on the districts' farmers, the primary source of the district economy.
With the central business sector and councillor's blessing, I propose to declare a Farmers Day every Thursday in the Stratford township.
A symbolic day dedicated to farmers of the district. To show that the Stratford township cares, respects and appreciates the industry, its input and consumer loyalty. I would also encourage Stratford businesses to take advantage of the day by promoting farmer specials and discounts. This day will profile Stratford as the reason farmers come to town, and make farmers feel more at home in their own local town environment, as well as discourage farmers from taking their business to other towns out of the district, costing them more in fuel and parking costs. It will also put more money in to the pockets of the local business sector and encourage more growth and town vitality at no extra cost to the ratepayers. With this extra growth and vitality the Stratford district can then be more proactive in encouraging more tourists and visitor numbers to come see visit and discover the district's many other attractions. This will in turn entice more people to come work and live in the district.
2. WHAT DO YOU THINK IS MOST LACKING IN THE DISTRICT AND HOW CAN THAT BE REMEDIED?
I believe a clear profile is what's most lacking in the district. For profile I propose to promote Stratford as the central gateway and agricultural capital of Taranaki. The focus being farmers and all things agricultural, combined with tourism. Focusing on these two core economic areas of farming and tourism and by creating a strong agricultural profile for the town I believe is the remedy to the district's future success.
3. WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE LONG-TERM FUTURE OF SMALLER DISTRICT COUNCILS LIKE STRATFORD?
National trends suggest that smaller district councils like the Stratford District Council will eventually amalgamate into larger district councils. As have Waitara and Inglewood into New Plymouth District Council and Patea, Opunake into the South Taranaki District Council. Smaller districts lose their local community identity and focus and take on the identity of the larger town. ie: New Plymouth's identity and focus. Waitara, for instance, maintains a community board to represent local issues and two councillors representing their area on the NPDC. But as Waitara and Waitara councillors have found when lobbying for their own Waitara issues at the NPDC, they find with only two councillors, their own issues are often out-voted or overridden by the majority New Plymouth councillors. Yet they are expected to pay the same higher rates as New Plymouth to help pay for New Plymouth's wish list excesses. For this reason if elected I would not recommend that Stratford District amalgamate with a larger council unless the advantages far outweighed the disadvantages for the Stratford District and its ratepayers.
Please Google - Rusty Kane - for profiles and information on Rusty Kane or contact rusty.kane@gmail.com Ph 7587688 New Plymouth. Post PO Box 5111 NP 4343.
Mayoral candidates have their say
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