Editorial: Plays and ploys in intriguing election

Mark Dawson, Editor of Wanganui Chronicle

YOU should have your voting papers by now and, in fact, more than 3000 have probably already done their democratic duty in what is shaping up as an intriguing - exciting, even - local body election.

Can an election hinge on one issue?

For the Whanganui District Council, the wastewater treatment plant has cast a dispiriting shadow in recent years and it looms large over this election.

For some contenders, it is THE issue - perhaps the one that they believe will win them enough votes for a place at the council table; other candidates see it as a concern but not an over-riding one, among a wider range of policies.

A debacle or a duly considered decision by an informed council? The voting public will decide.

Rates affordability is another issue that will be on people's minds when they tick the boxes. It is something all candidates seem conscious of, though only one has offered to resign if the rates increase rises above a certain threshold.

The Chronicle's three election forums produced a number of interesting initiatives - rates remissions to encourage new businesses; fewer councillors; voting in wards; regular meetings with leaders of our major industries; developing agri-business; bridging the rural-urban divide; plastic bag-free Whanganui (seems impossible, but if everyone makes an effort ... ).

However, a pedestrianised area across part of Victoria Avenue got a firm thumbs-down - so much for cafe society.

Away from the traditional campaign trail of public meetings and billboards, we have had ad hoc debates on Facebook and other social media. In fact, for some, a fair chunk of the campaign is taking place online.

It will be fascinating to see what impact the new media has on the final results. Can you get elected without a website and a Facebook page?

There has even been a whiff of ... if not "dirty politics", then slightly grubby, with leaked emails, accusations and allegations. Denigrating the incumbents of any elected body - and their staff, too - is a not uncommon tactic, and the negative perspective plays well in some quarters.

Is it enough to get a candidate over the line?

I recall Michael Laws' presentation at the mayoral forum three years ago. He presented a grim vision of Whanganui at crisis point; his opponent Annette Main painted a rosier picture.

We will find out what works best in due course.