Nine city councillors confirm intention to seek re-election
Most Dunedin city councillors are hoping to return to the fray come October.
Nine of the 15 Dunedin City Council members have said they will stand for re-election in this year's local government elections.
Deputy mayor Cherry Lucas said she would stand as an independent candidate after first being elected to council in 2022.
"I believe that this first term is like an apprenticeship," she said.
"Even though I had previously worked for DCC many years ago, it takes a long time to get over [or] fully come up to speed on so many diverse areas.
"I've invested a lot in council as it has in me and I think I owe it to the city to put my hand up again."
For the moment, she said her focus was on the council's long-term-plan process.
Cr Andrew Whiley also said he would run for council again as an independent candidate and thought it would be an "interesting and challenging election period".
"I am deeply concerned about the level of toxicity already coming through on social media," he said.
Cr Steve Walker said he planned to stand for council again and, "despite being constantly asked", would not contest the mayoralty.
He and his fellow candidate, University of Otago student Jett Groshinski, had been endorsed by the Labour Party.
"Running as a Labour-endorsed candidate gives the voting public a clear, unambiguous understanding of the values I bring to the table, rather than hiding those values under the opaque mask of 'independence'," Cr Walker said.
Crs Christine Garey and Bill Acklin both said they would be running for council as independents.
As well as standing for council, Crs Mandy Mayhem and Lee Vandervis said they would have a tilt at the mayoralty, as will incumbent mayor Jules Radich.
Though widely expected to join the mayoral race, Cr Sophie Barker said she would not make a decision until the long-term-plan process was complete.
In January, Cr Carmen Houlahan said she would run for council as an independent.
Nominations open on July 4 and close August 1. The election will be held on October 11.
ruby.shaw@odt.co.nz
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