Anderton might quit Parliament
BY GLENN CONWAY
Jim Anderton has praised Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker for his leadership since Saturday's earthquake - and now says he would consider quitting Parliament if he wins the mayoralty because the southern city needs a full time mayor in the aftermath of the quake.
Anderton, Progressive Party leader and its sole MP, will stand for the Christchurch mayoralty in the October 9 election.
He has previously indicated he would stay on as MP for Wigram even if elected as mayor.
Today, he told Newstalk ZB he would consider leaving Parliament to be in Christchurch full time if he won.
Anderton said he was too busy helping people following the quake and would make the decision later.
The MP told Parliament on Wednesday he wants politicians of all persuasions to make key decisions on the city's future.
He praised Parker's leadership, but said some MPs and councillors who could be helping were "not in the loop".
"They too have skills and knowledge and experience to give, Anderton said.
"I hope both local councillors and members of Parliament can meet together to work in the interests of the city."
Parker's clear and concise messages had helped all Christchurch people in the earthquake's aftermath, he said.
"He deserves credit for his clarity in a time of crisis."
However, Anderton wanted a cross-party commission so the skills of all MPs and councillors could be used.
"I would like to offer John Key's ministers on the ground and Mayor Bob Parker our hand of help.
"Let's start to rebuild this city together.
"The whole country and the Government is going to have to get behind every family and business in Christchurch."
Immediate relief was urgently needed for people who had lost their incomes and had bills to pay.
Medium and long-term accommodation for those who could not return home was crucial.
"Then we have to talk about a long-term plan to rebuild our city and create jobs and rebuild businesses. That needs to involve everyone," Anderton said.
- with NZPA
- © Fairfax NZ News
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Was wondering who I was going to vote for ,trying to pick the best of a bad bunch , but sorry Jimbo we have heard or seen nothing of you since this happened. So Bob you now have my vote ,You have done a great job.
Anderton should pull out of the race and let Parker concentrate on getting the city back up and running instead of having to cammpaign. Anderton is a has been at best.
Had to laugh when Jim made the comment on talkback that it would take a sismic event to knock him off from taking the mayor position....well Jim..spoke to early. Bob's staying put!
Jim your a disgrace. If you had any back bone you would pull out of the election now. Bob Parker has shown leadership that you never have. Jim - Bugger off and retire.
Bob Parker is doing great at smiling, looking concerned and staying out of the way so people can do their jobs. Lets be honest we could have anybody in that job right now it wouldn't matter. Its the police and civil defense we should be thanking.
Key and Parker looking concerned for the cameras is the same as giving a child a big soft toy bear, makes people feel good. Not that that isn't a useful thing to do and it is exactly what ALL politicians do in these situations.
Jim Anderton - great at stating the bloody obvious. Bob Parker and his team and John Key and his team have things well under control without your late, contrived, input. Off to retirement for you pal.
FLIP FLOP JIM! just like everything else you have ever done.
No way can we have a man like Jim in charge of Christchurch.
Vote BOB PARKER :)
Jimbo should quit Parliament regardless of the Mayoral election outcome. He would be hopeless as Mayor of Christchurch, just like he is hopeless as a one-man-band-party-leader. He is just looking for votes, which he will not get from any of my family down there.
Good to know Jim, you only *now* consider that Christchurch ratepayers deserve your full attention - after a disaster - but not before, eh? So what you are saying is they were only ever a half time proposition for you, even though you would have been paid a full time salary.
Your very unsubtle attempt at vote catching at this time is shameless and transparent, to say the least.
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Stay up there in Durasic Park you stupid old Dinosaur, this city doesn't need a fossil trying to make up his mind if he will be a full time or part time mayor. I can see it now, under you, all the new building would have to be made of Mud and stone. Stay out of Christchurch Politics, better still show some balls and pull out of the Mayoral race.