Coastal Ward Candidate and former councillor David East
Five city councillors described as the ‘frugal five’ have thrown their support behind Coastal Ward Candidate and former councillor David East.
Earlier this year, several councillors describe Phil Mauger, Sam MacDonald, James Gough, Aaron Keown and Catherine Chu as the “frugal five” for their cost-saving proposals for the Long Term Plan in a bid to keep rates down, including deferring cycleways, while spending more on roads.
Candidates contesting the by-election include People’s Choice candidate Kelly Barber, Celeste Donovan (Independent – Positive Community Action), David East (Independent), Katie Hays, Andre Hopman (Independent), Caleb Isaacs (Independent) and Nikora Nitro.
City Councillor Aaran Keown said, “we might be accused of being the frugal five, but our aim is to become sensible six with the endorsement of David East for Coastal By-election.”
“Independent candidate David East needs to be elected in this by-election in order to save our city’s water assets.”
He said, “as an independent councillor, I am not bound by any party hierarchy, and there has never been a time when independence is more crucial.”
Councillor Sam MacDonald said, “I’ve always said we need more independent thinkers around the council table – party affiliation won’t be overly helpful at a time when there is major tension between Government and local councils over major reforms.”
Christchurch Mayoral candidate Phil Mauger is supporting David East in the up and coming Coastal By-election
Councillor James Gough said “we can rely on David East. He’s got a proven track record of performance as a councillor. He’s commercially strong, pragmatic, independent, experienced and, perhaps most importantly, not afraid to ruffle feathers to get the best results for his community.”
Voting is currently underway.
You can watch interviews with candidates here:
