Michael Scott may not have any council experience, but he wants to see change in the Queenstown Lakes area, and believes he can deliver it.
Having lived in Central Otago all his life, and Queenstown for the past 11 years, he has contemplated running for mayor for a long time.
He is now prepared to leave a successful career to serve the people of his community and provide them with the type of council he thinks people want - one which is open and responsible.
Why are you standing for mayor?
It's something I've talked about doing for at least the last three elections. The first time I said it, people laughed at me. The second time I was very keen but work and family commitments meant I could not run.
But this time, I thought I've got plenty to offer and I think we need a fresh approach to council. Also, I don't want to be sitting down at 75 thinking I should have given it a chance.
Why are you standing only for mayor and not for council?
I want to be able to give 110% to commitment to the role, but if I was only elected to council, I would not be able to commit my entire self and conflicts of interest would frequently arise between my job and council decision-making. I'm willing to put 16 years of roading behind me to take on the full challenges of the mayoral role.
If you are not elected, will you regret that decision?
No, because I know I would have given it my best shot.
What do you think your strengths would be as mayor?
I would give the community more of a chance to decide their future and provide a more open and honest council which is better at communicating with its constituents.
Why do you think people should vote for you?
I don't believe in talking myself up, but I believe it is time for a change. Fresh ideas and transparency are required in the council and that is what I will bring. If people think about what I've had to say all along, they will know that I mean what I say.
Given the apathy many have towards local body elections, and your lack of a political profile, how hard will it be to get people to vote for you?
Most people probably hear me on the radio every morning with the road report, so my name and voice is out there. Others need to take me as I am. . . . I think with my goals to listen to what people want, I can move forward from what has happened in the past. I think if people are not prepared to get out and vote, they cannot criticise what happens around the area.
If elected as mayor, what are your goals for the next three years?
To lift community spirits and allow people to have greater involvement in the decision-making process through increased consultation on issues. We are here to represent the community, not ourselves, and anything the community wants, we need to push forward.
It is also important to retain the long-term locals. I'd also like to reduce council debt by coming up with the best possible ways and means to do so. All councils have debt, but we definitely need to reduce ours.
Do you have a budget for your campaign funding?
I've allowed myself $2500.
Is it self-funded?
I'm doing it off my own bat. I wouldn't want to take money from someone and then not deliver.
As an outsider, what are some of the positive things the council has done?
I think the present council has tried its best to help within the community, but a lot of what has happened has obviously not worked the way it should have. However, pushing to re-address the area's 10-year plan is a good move which some councillors are making.
And the not so good?
Our debt is way too high. We don't need to gold-plate everything. We need to do what is best and provide the best possible service. New ways to save money need to be explored, and reviewing the 10-year plan could provide some opportunities.
They also spend too much time arguing and bickering and have not been as transparent in their operations as they should be.
What are the key issues the Queenstown Lakes district is facing?
One thing on everyone's mind is the airport and rates. Action taken around these needs to be more open. Transport is an issue on my mind, I'm an avid fan of the bus service, but it still needs to be more streamlined and affordable.
I feel council should be a more streamlined experience for everyone. Making a one-stop shop would improve efficiency and stop people having to traipse all over town to get things sorted. It would cost a bit to set up initially, but the long-term benefits are real.
You have been labelled the outside chance in the mayoral race. How do you feel about that?
I'm being called the dark horse, or the outside runner, but I feel as well that I'm bringing a fresh touch to it. A lot of what has happened in the past has not worked and it's time for a change and I can lead that change.
• The postal voting period is September 17 to October 9 (closing, noon)
MICHAEL SCOTT
Age: 48
Occupation: Inspector programmer for engineering firm Downer.
Marital status: married to Lynley with three children - Matthew (24), Lauren (13) and Ben (10).
Council experience: noneDescription of himself in three words: "Honest, reliable, relaxed."
