CCC final campaign update

Unfortunately I didn't win my seat on the Christchurch City Council.  I missed out by 518 votes (around 1.5%). 

Candidate	Votes Received
BROUGHTON, Helen	Independent Citizens	8137
SHEARING, Bob	Independent Citizens	5706
MILNE, Tony	Christchurch 2021	5188
MORA, Mike	Christchurch 2021	5007
GANDA, Ishwar	Independent	4807
GIBSON, Tony	Christchurch City Vision	1673
YEARBURY, Peter	Christchurch City Vision	1290
BURLING-CLARIDGE, John	Independent	483
INFORMAL		27
BLANK VOTING PAPERS		702
		33020

While it doesn't sound like much of a margin, in local government that is quite a big lead.  So no peeps, I won't be getting in on special votes!  I'm pleased though that the grouping I stood with dominated the campaign agenda, even if it didn't come through in my result. 

The 7 others who put themselves forward for Council in my ward all conducted themselves with respect and dignity and we had some good laughs.  4 (Helen, Bob, Mike and Ishwar) had much greater profile than me built up over many years in the ward as either Councillors or Community Board members.  So I was proud to have gone from nothing to third with just 6 months of campaigning.  And our 2021 ward team managed to increase our numbers on the Community Board from 2 out of 5 up to 3 out of 5.

I wish the incumbents (Helen Broughton and Bob Shearing - who held their seats) the very best for the next 3 years.  There are some very difficult and pressing issues in the Riccarton-Wigram area (traffic congestion, poor planning, massive rate increases, boy racers, increasing litter, noise issues in Templeton) that are going to require some tough calls, intelligent analysis, and bold thinking.

I also wish Bob Parker the very best in his role as Mayor of Christchurch.  It is not easy to put yourself forward for office, and even more difficult being in such a high profile public role such as mayor.  Anyone who puts themselves forward and goes on to win deserves our support.  I wish him well as he sets out on his campaign to implement his vision for Christchurch and rebuild the various relationships across the city that the former Council neglected.

What now for me?  I enjoyed going to the movies for the first time in yonks yesterday and then lazed around on my couch watching TV :)   I might even do my gardens this weekend.  Yay for free time!

Comments

[Deborah]

Congratulations on having the courage of your convictions and standing, and on this excellent not-victory post.

[Policy Parrot]

Tony, its a great shame that you missed out by so few votes. You would have been an excellent addition to the council, and would have bolstered the number of progressive councillors.

But, as they say 'when one door closes, another opens', and I'm sure that after a short and well-deserved period of 'normal' weekly hours - you will be back out there assisting and promoting the just cause.

Enjoy your downtime!!!

[Morphyoss]

Tony, you did so well!

Its unfortunate you just missed out, especially after such a well run campaign.

However good luck for the future!

Oh btw, i'm not sure if you are aware, but it appears that your RSS feeds are not working.

[Colin Bruce Milne]

Good go in your results however did you think to include the Maori party etc in your Christchurch 2021 organisation in contesting the common electoral roll situation in the local bods.