Vote for me: Mayoral candidate Paul Lonsdale at the debate hosted by the Canterbury University political science

club yesterday. Photos: KIRK HARGREAVES/FAIRFAX NZ

Chch mayoral candidates remain on best behaviour

Andrew Voerman
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Too many candidates, too little time. Eight of the 12 mayoral candidates turned out for a twohour mayoral debate at Canterbury University yesterday. The number of contenders and the weighty questions asked meant answers had to be short. The event was organised by the universitys political science club, UCPOLS, and was moderated by lecturer Lindsey MacDonald in front of about 50 people. Questions had been put to the candidates in advance, asking them what place they saw for the university in the citys future, what the two biggest challenges facing the council in its next term were and the role they saw for organisations such as the Earthquake Commission and the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority. Answering the last question, front-runner Lianne Dalziel said: The mayor has to take a leadership role in uniting the council and engage with the different agencies to ensure a proper communication stream with the local people.

Enthralled: About 50 people attended the debate.

Afterwards, the floor was opened up for questions. One student asked what the candidates had learned from each other during the campaign. Victor Cattermole said he had learned never to do this again. UCPOLS president Nathalie Blakely said she was pleased with the event.

It was very cordial, I expected it would be a bit more heated. Candidate Blair Anderson made the crowd and his fellow candidates chuckle with his whimsical attitude and numerous references to drug use. He brought his dog to the debate; by the time the two hours was up, it had fallen asleep.