Thursday 12 August 2010

Time running out for local elections nominations

Clutha District Council Electoral Officer Alan Dickson is urging people not to wait until the last minute to get their nomination in to stand for the 2010 local elections.

Nominations close at midday on Friday 20 August.

“If you do leave it until the last minute and there is something wrong with, or missing from, your nomination form, there will not be any extensions of time,” Mr Dickson said.

So far the nomination tally stands at:

• One nomination for Mayor (Barry Keith).

• Five nominations to stand as a Councillor (Kaylene Holland, Balclutha Ward; Bruce Vollweiler, Bruce Ward; Kevin Thompson, Catlins Ward; Stewart Cowie, Clutha Valley Ward; Jeff McKenzie, West Otago Ward).

• One nomination for community boards (Joy Lietze, West Otago Community Board).

• Two nominations for Clutha Licensing Trust (Julie Verheul, Balclutha Ward, Malcolm McElrea, Milton Ward)

Mr Dickson said that if you’re a New Zealand citizen, over 18 years of age and you’re on the electoral roll you can stand as a candidate.

“All you need is the desire to represent your community and make a difference to the Clutha District.”

Anyone wishing to stand as an elected member must be nominated by two people enrolled in the district or ward they are standing in for Mayor or Council respectively, and they must pay a $200 deposit.

More information, including nomination forms and ward maps, are available online by clicking here or by contacting your nearest Council office or Service Centre.

ENDS