Mike Rutledge, Rachel Sanson, Graeme O'Brien and Yvonne Bowater have all put their hands up to run for Nelson City Council.

More hands go up for council

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More Nelsonians are putting themselves forward for October as the ballot card slowly fills up.

Incumbent councillor Mike Rutledge is the latest to announce his intentions saying it has been an honour to serve the city over the last three years.

“I am proud of the contribution I have made during my first term and seek the opportunity to continue this work to progress significant projects, challenges and opportunities facing our city.”

Rachel Sanson, who has 20 years’ governance and management experience in the private, education and not-for-profit sectors, is also stepping forward to run.

She recently sold her Nelson-based company, Pacific Discovery – a youth-focused global education and leadership development company.

“This has given me the depth of experience to work across political divides and stay focused on positive outcomes,” Rachel says.

She says there is room for better collaboration around the council table and she has the background to be a “connector between business, community, and the council”.

Graeme O’Brien, who has previously run for the mayoralty once and council twice, is also putting up his hand on a platform of being accountable to ratepayers and fiscal responsibility.

He has often campaigned on his beliefs that council business should be totally transparent.

Community fundraiser and long-time not-for-profit trustee Yvonne Bowater is also running after going to almost every council meeting this year. Her decision to run was solidified after attending submissions on the annual plan

“It confirmed to me that I am passionate about standing for council. I want to work for the Nelson community.”

Yvonne works with many trusts and non-profits and says she is passionate about Nelson – its people, economy and environment.

Nelson north businessman Luke King is also running saying he will endeavour to make public all decisions and conversations held about the city. He has a broad platform encompassing everything from changing animal registrations, to addressing mental health issues and being sceptical about the introduction of 5G technology in the city.

Former three-term Tasman District councillor Judene Edgar has previously announced she was running. She has experience on a variety of boards and in governance positions and says Nelsonians deserve a council that is united in its passion for Nelson and its commitment to do what’s best for Nelson, “today and for the future”.

Candidates must be nominated by two people, both of whom need to sign the nomination form, along with the candidate. The nominators must be on the electoral roll for Nelson City.

Becoming a candidate costs $200. This may be refunded, depending on how many votes the candidate receives.

Nominations are open until 12 noon on Friday 16 August 2019.

Forms and candidate handbooks are available from Council’s Customer Service Centre or any Nelson Public Library. Alternatively, you can call 03 546 0200 or head to nelson.govt.nz/ vote-2019.