Press Release from Peoples Choice – 6 March 2007

Four Council Candidates Announced

Peoples Choice has announced its first four candidates to contest Manukau City Council positions at this year’s local body elections.

They are:
- Michael Bailey – Manurewa ward
- Michael Williams – Botany/Clevedon ward
- Toa Greening – Papatoetoe ward
- Steve Udy – Pakuranga ward

Peoples Choice Chairman Hamish Stevens said he was delighted to be to announce four such high calibre candidates. "All are current community board members and all have made valuable contributions to their communities."

"All stand for prudent financial management, local democracy, improved accountability and focussing Council on its core activities."

“Following our three recent by-election wins, I’m confident they will all be elected, and will form part of a strong Council team led by Dick Quax after the election. Electing a Peoples Choice majority is the only way that real and permanent change can be effected in Manukau City”

Mr Stevens says that candidates will be announced progressively over coming months and that Peoples Choice and its affiliates, who currently hold 14 local body seats, will contest most Council and Community Board positions in 2007.

Michael Bailey
Michael Bailey is a third term Manurewa community board member. Michael stood for Council in Manurewa in 2004 for Peoples Choice and narrowly missed winning.

Michael Bailey has lived in Manurewa for 44 years and is passionate about the community. He is particularly concerned about the town centre and wants to restore the community’s pride in its local shopping area. Michael also believes it is important that we end the unfair perception of poverty that underlines much comment in the media.

Michael is a Police Sergeant with a 30 year career in the Police force. He has been Chairman of three local School Boards of Trustees, the most recent being The Manurewa High School. He is Chairman of Manurewa Health Promoting Schools and Chairman of the Manurewa Senior Citizens Governing Board. A committed Christian Michael is an elder in a local Presbyterian Church.

Michael Williams
Michael Williams is the Chairman of the Botany Community Board, established in 2004. Michael has been a strong advocate for the interests of the Botany Community and has a deep understanding of the cares and concerns of residents.

"It has been a privilege to serve as Chairman of the Botany Community Board these past three years; building playgrounds, fighting rate increases, and seeking more police" says Michael.

"I’m running for Council because I have a vision for a safe, affordable, democratic city that cares for its environment, is easy to get around and is a great place to raise a family. A Peoples Choice team on Council can make that vision a reality.”

Michael is the Finance Manager of an $80m Australasian Company based in South Auckland and has considerable experience in financial management in the private sector.

Toa Greening
Toa Greening was elected to the Papatoetoe Community Board in a by-election in May 2006. Toa has been a long time contributor within Manukau neighbourhoods and a strong advocate for safer communities and local crime prevention strategies. He has been involved with Neighbourhood Support as a Papatoetoe street coordinator, and is currently the Secretary of the Manurewa Crimewatch Patrol, as well as a delegate for the Manukau Districts Crime Patrol Group.

Toa, who is of Ngati-Kahungunu and Dutch descent, has an Information Engineering degree from Massey University, and owns a local IT engineering consultancy. A former national Surf-Lifesaving competitor, he now takes part in Manukau and Papatoetoe Swim Masters

“As a Papatoetoe Councillor, I want to help build a secure and safe community for all residents. I’m looking forward to being part of a strong Peoples Choice team after the election”

Steve Udy
Steve Udy’s family has lived in Pakuranga for five generations and Steve is currently a member of the Pakuranga Community Board. Steve has real concerns over how little attention Pakuranga’s interests receive; particularly the high rates burden, traffic issues, youth and family problems, and control over liquor outlets. As a successful businessman, Steve is also concerned at the lack of financial control and accountability within the current Manukau council.

Steve Udy has 34 years experience successfully running international businesses and is passionate about improving performance management through clear accountability.

“I believe I am able to represent Pakuranga with a fresh perspective. Our issues need new solutions and I am looking forward to working with the Peoples Choice team to put these in place.”

ENDS

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