Last week it was the mayoral candidates. This week, the three candidates vying for two seats on the Dunedin City Council as councillors for the Mosgiel-Taieri ward in the coming elections tell Taieri Times reporter Debbie Porteous what priority they give a new swimming complex in Mosgiel, what they would do to resolve Mosgiel's traffic issues, and what other priority issues they think face Mosgiel and the wider Taieri.
The swimming pool has to be of the highest priority.
This issue has been on the table for seven years with no result.
The community is ready and waiting to get in behind this project; it just remains for the council to green light it.
Since 1998, when I joined the Mosgiel Community Board, I have demanded that the city sort out the heavy traffic problems and to date nothing has changed.
The number of heavy vehicle movements on Gordon Rd has increased and will continue to increase further with the new inland port planned for North Taieri.
We need action on this now.
Parking is another problem facing the retail/service area of Mosgiel.
With the redevelopment of the Mitre 10 site, even more car parks have been lost.
Added to this, the newly released transport strategy provides for a dedicated cycleway on Gordon Rd, despite a submission from the community board that Gordon Rd could not cope.
Our city council needs to understand we are not just a cash cow for them to use in the middle of the city.
Yes, I am parochial about our area and yes, we need be heard at the council table.
As a swimmer, the idea of a new pool in Mosgiel would be great.
When Mosgiel gets a pool it needs to have flexibility for lane swimmers, training squads and leisure.
In this economic environment, ratepayers' concerns about affordability are valid.
The timeframes in which a new complex could be built might be brought forward if the community were to partner with the council.
I would help to drive this locally.
Transport, like any other issue in Mosgiel, must receive its fair share of council funding.
As a councillor I would work with the council and affected parties to identify which problems are most serious (eg congestion, lack of parking or heavy trucks on the main street) and then work with them to develop viable solutions.
The proposed downgrade of Invermay is a current issue that is very important to our community.
I believe it is important to look at the big picture when these decisions are being made.
The cost for our community to families and other businesses must be counted.
The dollars are only part of the equation.
The whole community needs to focus on economic growth and removing the barriers that hinder this growth.
Having been part of the aquatic services working party, I appreciate the demand and need for improved services in Mosgiel.
While the council is not in a position to financially contribute in the short term, the community can assist by agreeing on a site, a staged development and through participation in community funding.
As someone involved in our local club, I know how important pools are as a community resource and how supportive communities can make things happen.
I encourage the community to galvanise on this issue.
I believe both implementation of the transportation strategy and development of the new district plan offer a very good opportunity to look at all options for improved traffic for all users.
It requires community involvement and sharing of ideas in a positive manner.
I look forward to assisting in discussion and debate about issues, and possible solutions for the future needs of Mosgiel residents and road users in the local and wider city context.
Employment has to be the biggest issue facing Dunedin and I look forward to continuing the work in making Dunedin a better place to do business - Red Carpet Not Red Tape.
