Thank you

The polls have closed. The counting is well underway and we should know the interim results in the Western Bay of Plenty elections in a couple of hours.

Win, lose or draw, I owe a big debt of thanks to all who have supported me on this journey.

Many already know that this is not my comfort zone. I have no personal political ambition, I just want to improve things for our residents, their children and grandchildren — and generations to come.

I have had much more support in this election than last time, including from political colleagues, fellow candidates and a small group of friends that have been valuable sounding boards and also contributed in other ways (photos, proofreading, helping me put up signs and take them down again).

The value of the help with the signs should not be underestimated. I am much more comfortable with a spreadsheet in hand, than a hammer or drill.

A big thank you to the folk who let me (and others) put candidate signs on their fences. It is always touching that people who may not support any particular candidate are nevertheless willing to lend us space, in support of democracy.

Whatever the results, the new council will face many challenges over the next three years. These include the issues that I have highlighted, as well as some unexpected ones, as always.

I am grateful that we have democracy to help us sort out the obstacles and pursue opportunities for our district.

Having worked in a few countries around the world where democracy is flawed or totally absent, this democratic advantage is not to taken lightly.

I fully understand and appreciate that many, many residents do not feel our council delivers value for money for the high rates we pay.

Fixing its relationship with the public is perhaps the biggest challenge facing our new council.