Editorial: Election must not be coronation

OPINION: The gloves are coming off in the Palmerston North mayoral race.

Mark Bell-Booth has taken a swipe at sitting mayor Jono Naylor, criticising him for failing to appear at a public forum for candidates this week.

Mr Bell-Booth has accused Mr Naylor of arrogance after a Manawatu Standard-commissioned poll showed he was the overwhelming favourite to win the race.

The Versus Research poll revealed Mr Naylor enjoyed 61 per cent support, with Mr Bell-Booth, on 8 per cent, the only other candidate with support above the 4.5 per cent margin of error.

Mr Naylor defended his decision not to appear at Monday night's forum, saying it was more important he attended a council meeting.

Ratepayers will no doubt accept that as a valid reason, but the question is whether Mr Naylor would have proffered that excuse if he did not have a 53-point lead in the polls. If the Standard 's poll had him level with or behind Mr Bell-Booth, it seems likely an equally valid excuse would have been found to not attend the council meeting.

While it is natural for Mr Naylor to take a more relaxed approach to the campaign given his remarkable poll lead, his strong position demands that he is placed under more public scrutiny, not less.

If Mr Bell-Booth is to further his credentials as a credible alternative to the incumbent, he needs to draw Mr Naylor into a one-on-one battle.

His attack on the mayor's no-show at the public forum suggests he recognises that, and the public can expect a much more vociferous approach from Mr Bell-Booth between now and polling day.

Regardless of who you support to be the city's leader, that is a positive development. This election must not be a coronation. Mr Naylor might have a commanding lead, but his vision, policies and plans must be placed under the spotlight and compared with those of his main opponent.

If the public simply allows him to canter to the finish line, it will be a hollow victory for him, and a great blow to our democracy.

ONE MORE THING

The extent of the catastrophe that struck Canterbury on Saturday is only now beginning to become apparent. The physical effects could be seen immediately, but the full impact will go well beyond cracks and rubble.

Livelihoods are in tatters and many thousands of people face an uncertain future. Their anxiety must be crippling. The Government should be applauded for reacting quickly and making funds available to small businesses so they can pay staff while their doors are shut.

It will not make their problems disappear, but it will bring some peace of mind at a time when some good news is desperately needed.

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