Taranaki radio and television journalist Bryan Vickery is the first confirmed contender for the South Taranaki mayoral chains in October.
The 44-year-old Newstalk ZB journalist, who also hosts a current affairs show on Seven Taranaki, went public yesterday about his plan to stand for mayor of the South Taranaki District.
Mary Bourke, South Taranaki's mayor for nearly 15 years, is not seeking re-election in the October local body elections.
"When Mary decided that she wasn't going to continue, I thought it would be a real honour to continue that (work).
"I think it would be quite exciting," said Mr Vickery, who has lived in Hawera for 18 months.
"The other thing that has influenced me is that the deputy mayor Jack Rangiwahia is not standing, very experienced Ross Dunlop is not standing, Maureen Gatenby is not standing, there's gaping holes all over the place.
"I think the district desperately needs passion and someone who is energetic."
Mr Vickery is only standing for mayor - not council - although he is considering also standing for the Taranaki District Health Board.
Ensuring The Hub - South Taranaki's sports and leisure centre - is a success, building on the district's core infrastructure and addressing the district's declining youth population, are Mr Vickery's key mayoral aspirations.
But the Australian-born media man has more than the voters to contend with to make his mayoral attempt a reality. He is in the middle of an application to become a New Zealand citizen - a prerequisite for nomination. He has been assured he will have no problems becoming a New Zealand citizen.
As well as a journalist, Mr Vickery has had stints as a high school teacher, a deputy principal and has even been a church minister. "I'm a lapsed Seventh Day Adventist."
To avoid a conflict of interest, Mr Vickery will not be reporting the STDC for a spell before the election and will discontinue his radio and television work.
ROCHELLE WESTrochelle.west@tnl.co.nz - Taranaki Wednesday, 9 May 2007
No comments:
Post a Comment