Election result: big implications for Wanganui - 9/11/2008

Mayor Michael Laws today welcomed the decisive result of Election 2008 but said that the National-led win “will have big implications for Wanganui and the wider region.”

“On the plus side, both Simon Power and Chester Borrows are likely to play prominent roles in government. So too might Tariana Turia – and that will give us a direct route into government and ministerial offices.

“Similarly, National’s law and order policy promises more Police and a crackdown on gangs – and both will be welcome initiatives. Our Police have been under-resourced for far too long.

“The new government’s policy on health and DHBs will cause a few flutters in hospital and health circles. It is one area that could cause concern so we will need to keep a watching brief.”

The council would also be looking for local government reform – an area identified as unsustainable in its current configuration and with its current funding.

Mayor Laws said that he was “not surprised with Chester Borrows’ near 6000 vote majority. Chester has done a good job for Wanganui and worked closely with our council. It was very much a personal result and he deserved it.”

ENDS