Capital Times’ reporter Peter Moloney casts an eye over the local body race in the Eastern and Southern wards.

After the Southern Ward meeting in Newtown, people seated around me said that they felt these were the best candidates they’d seen in years,
Even candidate Ida Faiumu-Isa’ako commented that the standard of candidates was high, and felt that candidates agreed on many issues, and were united on more issues than they were divided
But it was Bryan Pepperell who impressed with his concerns that council expects that hundreds of lateral pipes (a pipe that forms a connection from the household to the main sewer pipes) will need be replaced, and homeowners will be left to foot the bill. He also hit out at what he describes as a loophole that he claims allows hoteliers in the city to pay residential rates instead of business rates.
Other issues that residents raised at the Question and Answer session, included water privatisation, graffiti, rates, and income related rent subsidies on council housing, and ward meetings.
All councillors were against water privatisation. Keith Johnson wants to ensure that contracts are not handed to contacts that councillors are friendly with, while Paul Eagle doesn’t want communities to be fearful of having a shower in case it costs too much, and water privatisation is “dangerous”. Rex Nairn felt that it was the council’s responsibility to provide water, while Pepperell wants to take water out of control of council controlled organisation Capacity, which he refers to as a “profit taker”
On graffiti, Eagle felt it was an issue the whole community needs to address, while Faiumu-Isa’ako said it’s time to talk to young people, and not talk over them. Nairn felt it shouldn’t be a council problem, and householders need to paint over it to discourage kids.
All candidates supported the concept of lowering or holding rates, except Thomas Morgan, who said that he didn’t want to get rates down as services would have to be cut.
Eagle was a very vocal backer of the idea of ward meetings, while Pepperell was concerned that residents have stopped attending in the past as they felt they weren’t being listened to.

Paul Eagle: Labour, currently employed as a police communications officer. He wants to open an office in the ward, retain libraries, community centres, parking and festivals, protect the south coast, and get artificial sportsfields.
Ida Faiumu-Isa’ako: Independent, Qualified Nurse, was previously appointed at the Wellington New Regional Hospital. Claims to be a strong voice of the people, wants to preservation Wellingtons environment
Keith Johnson: Labour, Has worked as an economist. He wants to see rating relief for houseowners, and more money spent at local level and less in the City Centre.
Greg McPhee: Independent, former fire fighter. Priorities include reducing debt, increased council transparency, parking, transport, and no water privatisation.
Will Moore: Independent Green. Former documentary filmmaker, gardener, and a surfer. Wants to encourage communities to car pool, seeks community involvement in council decision making, and supports local projects such as growing fruit and vegetables, harvesting water and insulating homes
Thomas Morgan: Independent, Has been to “hundreds” of council meetings, previously ran for Tawa Community Board, wants council to pay people if they issue a parking fines incorrectly, and wants to introduce a gondola to Wellington to encourage tourism.
Rex Nairn: Independent, currently a timetable officer at Massey University. He will focus on: holding rates, infrastructure, traffic, and greater transparency and community consultation.
Bernard O’Shaughnessy: Independent, Former schoolteacher. Supports reversing Manners Mall works, restricting liquor availability, and the number of gaming machines. Wants to see his ward receive more money, which he fears will go to the CBD, reduce council debt and freeze rates
Seann Paurini: Independent, Former full-time caregiver to his parents. Wants a levy on alcohol and gambling, and alcohol ads banned. Wants to give a discount card to people who make a difference in the community, such as volunteers, and caregivers.
Bryan Pepperell: Independent, Has been a city councillor since 1996. Wants to see a Council that shares the benefits, and is accountable and open. Wants to review funding and spending policy, and use restraint when it comes to rates. Wants to remove Capacity, a council controlled organisation, and fights water privatisation.