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Hooper Rules Out Ashburton Mayoralty Bid
Phill Hooper wants another term on the Ashburton District Council but doesn't feel ready to be Mayor.
The first term councillor said he feels like he is only just getting started.
“It has been a steep learning curve over the past three years, I have really enjoyed the challenge.
“It’s only been the last 18 months that I have felt comfortable and confident around the council table, and I still have things I want to achieve.”
Hooper said he has a “much firmer grasp on local body politics and the democratic process” but isn’t eyeing up the top job following incumbent mayor Neil Brown announcing last month he would not seek a third term.
“I’m not sure a councillor with one term’s experience can excel in the role,” Hooper said.
“It wasn’t on my radar, but I was surprised and absolutely stoked to receive messages from people encouraging me to give it a nudge.”
Brown’s announcement didn’t impact Hooper’s decision on seeking another term on the council.
“Neil’s decision didn’t sway me at all. I was disappointed, but not surprised by his decision.
“We lose a lot when Mayor Brown walks out the door later this year.
“I think I knew six months into the job that it was a role that I really enjoyed and wanted to have an extended stay in.”
Nominations don’t open until July 4 and already several candidates have come forward.
Deputy Mayor Liz McMillan and first-term councillor Rob Mackle have announced they will run for mayor.
Outside of the council Jeff Ryan has emerged as a new candidate seeking the mayoralty.
Three-term councillor Russell Ellis would only say he would be running for the council again.
First term councillor Tony Todd said he would be will be seeking a second term as councillor
Leen Braam, Carolyn Cameron, Lynette Lovett, and Richard Wilson were yet to reveal their intentions.
Local Democracy Reporting
Content from the Local Democracy Reporting (LDR) service is published by Scoop as a registered New Zealand Media Outlet LDR Partner.
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