Voting papers are being sent out from Friday 20 September 2013 ... so this time next week a significant proportion of people in Tasman will have received their voting papers.
Last election the voter turnout in Richmond was 50.77%; Motueka 49.73%; Moutere/Waimea 45.34% and Golden Bay 62.78%. Overall the voter turnout was 51%, down on 55% for the 2007 election.
This year Lakes/Murchison ward residents have the opportunity to vote for a councillor as well as Mayor ... the first time in 14 years. On the other hand, Moutere/Waimea ward residents current three councillors were re-elected unopposed.
It will be interesting to see the mix of new and returning councillors that make up the Council. Last election 77% of the 13 council members were returning ones - 69% male and 31% female (9 male and 4 female). It is always important to retain some experience around the table, and balance this with new ideas and perspectives. Three councillors are not re-standing this year, so there will be at least three new councillors in the new term of council.
I was asked by the Nelson Mail 'which mayoral candidate do you support, and why?' ... my answer to that question was "If re-elected, my role would be to work and have a collegial relationship with the mayor that the residents and ratepayers of Tasman elect, to form a strong, hardworking team."
Forming a hardworking and united team is pivotal. While we won't be united on all issues, and that is good because it means we're bringing forward the varying perspectives of the community, but we need to be united in seeking enhanced service delivery and driving cost efficiencies for our residents and ratepayers ... in other words, we need to play the game not the player. I believe this is important. Tasman does not need a council that is divided and divisive.
I would like to hope that the voter turnout is greater this election, but there has been a decided lack of debate and discussion in the daily paper about the Tasman election. I don't know if this is simply because we don't provide the headlines by outrageous antics and derogatory comments about each other, but I believe that the average voter is interested in a deeper analysis.
Information on all Tasman District and NMDHB candidates can be found at www.vote.co.nz. Specific information on me can be found at http://www.vote.co.nz/2013/candidates/judene-edgar-7567
