Video: Richard Kempthorne moments after his re-election

1
1600

Check out our exclusive interview with Richard Kempthorne moments after he was re-elected as Tasman Mayor.

Richard Kempthorne has been re-elected as Tasman district mayor after securing 6192 votes ahead of Kit Maling with 5304 and Maxwell Clark with 4608.

Kit says he’s disappointed to miss out on the mayoralty but is looking forward to the challenge of working as a Richmond ward councillor. He says the new-look council, with potentially eight new councillors, has some big challenges ahead with rates affordability and the proposed Lee Valley Dam top of the list.

“It’s disappointing but I couldn’t have done anymore,” Kit says. “I’m looking forward to being on council because there are certainly issues that need to be addressed.”

Kit says his support of the Lee Valley dam “cost me but I am a big supporter of the dam and I’ve always been honest about that”.

Kit says he is also pleased that all three women who stood for council got on. He says that’s good for the balance of council.

Maxwell Clark says the fact that he gained so much support, with 4608 votes, is a signal to council that ratepayers are concerned about the affordability of the proposed Lee Dam. He says council need to consult with ratepayers about the project before proceeding.

Maxwell acknowledged that Richard still had good support as mayor and he had already phoned him to congratulate him on his victory. He also thanked his own supporters and all the people who had voted for him.