Press release

Brent Pierson standing for Southern Ward Wellington City council

Talofa, Buenas Dias and Hello. I would like to announce that I am standing for the southern ward for council. Why am I standing ? Because I beleive Wellington is a wonderful city to live in and that with good leadership it can only get better. I believe that putting people's needs first is at the heart of local governance - that openness and true consultation is the goal of council. As a councillor I would bring to the table a strong belief in democracy and the ability to work with others to achieve positive outcomes. I have a passion for this city in which I have lived most of my life. Born in Porirua, grew up in Strathmore and Naenae. I am married and my daughter goings to Island bay school. Have lived and worked in Sweden, Holland, Australia, Texas and Chile. I speak Spanish and am a member of the Spanish & Latin American Club here in Wellington.

This is the first time I have stood for council and I take great pride in doing so, but it is not the first time I have stood for public office. I stood as a candidate in Rongotai, at the last general election, being the highest polling candidate from Rongotai who did not make it to Parliament.

My beliefs

I strongly support libraries, becuase books open the door to a brighter future and libraries are at the centre of any community.

I strongly support real bike lanes, not the unsafe, paint on the road ones that we presently have. Bikes should as much as possible be separated from cars. Making this form of transport safer is a key project of mine.

As for public transport, I have over 20 years experience in public transport in Wellington.We need more bus only lanes, so trip times are reduced. Lower fares to get people out of cars and into buses.

Also I support the living wage concept, council must show leadership and this is an important issue to help lift wage levels and position Wellington as a high wage city. If the Warehouse can do it, then so can we.

Economic development for the Wellington region is a must. Mr Key may think we are a dying city, but I do not. We can do better and growing the regional economy should be the number one priority. More and higher paying jobs is the way to go.

As for council housing! The council needs to modernise and earthquake proof all the housing stock that they own. Review over time the needs of its tenants to best match rentals with tenants. With rent based on a % of income.

I am opposed to the selling of council assets, as this is not the direction in which we should be going. More investment in key area's is needed, not less.

I do not support the basin flyover as the plan stands, it will become an eyesaw and negatively effect the basin, which is so loved by all Wellingtonians, more planning and thought needs to be put into this.

As for amalgamation of councils, who is driving this? The people? rate payers? residents? No!! Powerful people wanting more power. Having one large council is no guarantee than things will be better, but in the process we lose our voice, drowned out by so many voices wanting to be heard. Yes councils in the region need to work together and share services in area's were savings can be made. bigger is not always better. Wellington has a wonderful future, together we can only make it better.

ENDS

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