Murfitt to seek a further regional council term

Horizons Regional Council chairman Garrick Murfitt isn't ready to hang up his boots just yet.

Mr Murfitt has been on Horizons for 15 years – as a government nominee member for six years, chairman of operations for three, and two terms as chairman – and he is standing for a fifth term in the Tararua constituency.

He said being chairman is challenging yet rewarding. "The hardest part is bringing the state of the environment forward into the modern day. There is also a huge issue with water quality throughout the region. We must do all that we can now to make sure it is suitable for future generations but it's a difficult task.

"My track record speaks for itself. Sure I haven't always got it right nor has our council. I for one will readily admit when we get it wrong, we work extremely hard to fix it."

Mr Murfitt said he was asked again to stand for council.

"I have the time, energy and passion for our communities and the business of Horizons, which is as strong as ever.

"There is no doubt that the rural influence on the regional council isn't as strong."

Mr Murfitt said the chairman position is more than a fulltime job.

"People, water and land are precious resources to our district and the decisions we make affect so many people. You have to be available as much as humanly possible and I have an open door policy.

"The promise I will make, is that if elected I will continue to represent this community with integrity, dedication and transparency."

Mr Murfitt said he would put his name forward for chairman, once the council was elected.

Manawatu District Mayor Ian McKelvie, seeking re-election in the local body elections in October, is the only candidate to have put forward his name for the position so far. His key campaign issues include making the relationship with Palmerston North City Council work, looking at stabilising rates, and strengthening a growing rural community.

Arshad Chatha is the first mayoralty candidate in Palmerston North to get in his nomination. Lew Findlay (Papaioea) and daughter Sarah Findlay (Hokowhitu) got their nominations in for the city council. Nominations opened yesterday.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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helen   #1   05:15 am Aug 03 2010

im so proud of you keep up !!!!!!

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