Nelson mayor Rachel Reese officially launched her campaign for re-election at the Boat Shed on Wednesday night, promising progress for a city “that is becoming a model 21st century community”.
A full house at the sea-side venue first heard former Tasman Makos captain Andrew Goodman, who spoke on why he was voting for Rachel, citing a family-friendly city and her “openness”.
Rachel then spoke of her accomplishments over the past three years and said she inherited a “mess”, with infrastructure projects deferred, huge rate rises predicted and a serious problem with the Trafalgar Centre.
“There was no smooth handover or transition period. It was straight to work and I already knew some of the challenges that were going to face me. I inherited a long term plan with forecast rate rises of nearly ten per cent and a backlog of infrastructure projects, deferred projects and unrealistic budgets that pushed problems into future years.”
Rachel then listed her accomplishments during her first term as mayor, including setting a strategic direction for the council under the new responsibilities that were increased and extended through changes to the Local Government Act.
“There have been many successes, many things to be proud of. The finances are back on track, we’re now projecting annual rate rises well below three per cent for the next three years and that is without comprising on investment and pivotal projects that connect our community, sport, recreation, the arts, social development and the environment.”
Rachel’s focus then pivoted to what lay ahead.
There is more work to do, she said, including a focus on central city regeneration, explore social enterprise opportunities, progress the city to sea project, remove rules, fees and charges that limit innovate thinking and new development, continue to support tourism and events, warming homes and protecting the environment.
She also told supporters that she supported building the Southern Link.
“We will work constructively to progress the southern arterial link as an option to secure a roading network that will support a liveable 21st century city and an accessible central business district.”
She said her campaign could be summed up with four Ps: “Principled, professional, proven and passionate.”
Finally, she tipped her hat to her campaign chair and fiancée, Richard Harden.
“You’ve made it possible for me to succeed,” she said. “And I promise you, as soon as this election is completed, we will find a weekend to get married.”
