Do your research before making election choices

Russell Bell PHOTO/FILE

This week, rather than writing about business, I have decided to turn my attention to the upcoming local body elections.

Obviously there is a business context that applies to this because I am a firm believer that local councils have a material role to play in local economic development.

This year there are a significant number of council candidates and three mayoral - my focus this week will be on those vying for the available councillor seats.

I have to say that, when it comes to the effectiveness of the democratic process which appears like a storm every three years, I am a bit of a sceptic.

I understand the need for community representation and it is entirely appropriate that anyone can and should stand for office if they feel that they can make a difference. However, especially in our case, the need for skillsets and experience is even more important than pure representation.

I don't know how you decide who you are going to vote for but I, invariably, do not use up my 12 'ticks' in the voting booth. This was the same when I lived on the North Shore in Auckland - the main reason being that I apply what could be described as a 'capability checklist' which I use to evaluate prospective candidates.

The times we are in demand councillors who are more than one-trick ponies or silky catchphrases.

I have a friend who lives in Auckland whose mantra is "Would I be happy to have this person lead my business or develop an investment for me?" Good advice, especially when you consider the millions of dollars of assets at stake and the challenges which await in 2014 and beyond.

There are candidates vying for votes who I know little about and I salute those who have reached out to me and others who are effectively utilising social media to become better known by the voting public.

I had a meeting with two "absolutely positive" candidates for Wanganui and I was hugely impressed by both. Also, when I post a question on Facebook which speaks to areas I feel are important, one candidate regularly answers. He's well on his way in my view.

We have already been inundated with election materials (including billboards which have popped up around town like ragwort). Take the time to read them, because therein will lie the policies and approaches which the particular candidate will support. The more you know, the more informed your decision will be.

And, to quote my favourite TV show, therein lies "the game". Don't be afraid to ask candidates questions as they are out campaigning - the more you know the better the choices you will make.

I saw a billboard which espoused that "Wanganui deserves the best". Yes it does, but whether that candidate (or any of the others) actually is the best for the times we are in is our responsibility as voters to determine.

So do your research and, most importantly, vote - it's true what people say, you get the government that you deserve.