In a good example of ACT/Libertarianz co-operation, Frances Denz and Ron Scott have been elected to the Tauranga Energy Consumer Trust.
ACT members Frances and Ron, together with Libz member, Russell Watkins formed the Power Rebates Team. They campaigned on returning dividends to consumers rather than dishing the funds out to community groups.
Trust chairman Michael Cooney was returned with 7035 votes, Ron scored 5619, Frances got 5281 votes and Russell, 5184.
As there were only three positions available, Russell just missed out. There were 22 candidates in the field.
It is a good lesson that a liberal message, properly packaged, can be sold to voters, especially at a local level.
With councils spinning out of control and with huge rate rises looming all over the country, is there a message here for liberal/libertarian activists?
Congratulations Ron and Frances and better luck next time Russell.
Hat Tip Andrew Falloon
Just a follow up:
ReplyDeleteToday the TECT trustees announced (the ones who are in office until Wednesday next week) that one of their number has resigned and they have appointed for the next two years one of the people that Russell beat!
The press release says that the trust deed requires that they do this.
Anyone know some good electoral lawyers?
A bit shocking Ron. Surely they would have to go to the next highest polling unsuccessful candidate ie Russell.
ReplyDeleteHmm I love the idea behind this website, very unique.
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Watkins is a good guy and reasonable. That doesn't men the Libz are like him. They aren't. The Perigoons will never work with ACT or with anyone who doesn't slavishly worship their guru.
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