DEPUTY MAYOR'S DEBATE

Thursday night saw a debate between the three candidates for deputy mayor at The Hub. A crowd of about 30 showed up.

Like the mayoral debate, this was very civil and nothing too controversial happened. A couple of little "digs" between Ellsworth and Sears but nothing too exciting.

Candidates, Sears, Ellsworth and Winsor had similar views on many of the issues like amalgamation (they wont pursue it), infrastructure, public transport, wheelways service and accessibility.

Water meters provided some differing of opinion with Ellsworth taking a more mandatory approach while Sears wanted an optional approach with public input and Winsor wanting them introduce but the metered usage would only kick in after a basic monthly water allowance had been surpassed.

Leadership styles appear to be similar with each emphasising teamwork and the ability to make decisions. Sears is offering a "new" Sears who has learnt from his previous term on council. He emphasised the need of more clarity from council and keeping citizens more informed.

Winsor came across as very thoughtful on his major issues of seniors housing, public transport and the environment.

Ellsworth is promising more of the same as we saw in his first term on council with emphasis on fiscal responsibility. Cuts, if any, would be made "across the board".

No clear winner with each candidate reasonably happy with their performance.