No issues on file for Kerry Marshall.

1. AFFORDABLE COUNCIL
   
   If I am elected mayor, I promise to hold the cheque book on any new spending in the 2011/12 financial year, and re-look at Council priorities. This will give us time to have a close, in-depth look under the Council’s bonnet and agree on a fairer financial model that does not result in rates increases year after year. This policy will also ensure the Council carries out proper cost benefit analyses of major expenditure so that Nelson leads New Zealand in innovative projects it can afford and be proud of in the long term. This policy will give Councillors and you better information so that affordable development can progress in the future.
2. ECONOMIC GROWTH
   
   We can strategically improve our regional GDP growth rate from its low 1.7% rate (EDA, 2009) a number of ways. For example, we can implement a winter growth strategy to boost winter business and attract non-seasonal industries to Nelson; grow new and existing industries through business incubators; and fast tracking resource consents of regionally significant projects that offer jobs and boost economic activity. To attract investment and grow our economy Council’s role is to implement a vision and growth plan to ensure Nelson is ready and open for business.
   
3. NEW JOB OPPORTUNITIES & EDUCATION
   
   To provide quality job and educational opportunities, our focus should be on training Nelsonians in Nelson for Nelson jobs. If tertiary education and industry training is tightly linked with industry needs then our businesses will be able to employ local talent, and our job market will better compete with other cities. Championing the NMIT and promoting its partnerships with key universities and the Cawthron Institute are just two ways we can
   provide the courses needed, as well as ensuring the NMIT once again becomes one of the main employers in the city.
   
4. NELSON ON THE MAP
   
   Nelson is a great place to live, work and play, and I believe the city can out-shine most cities on the national and international stage. The Council has a crucial role in maintaining our beaches and parks, attracting premium events for all residents, and providing the best transport mix for locals and visitors alike. Most of us live in Nelson because of family, community spirit, the region’s safe and interesting lifestyle and the fabulous natural beauty that surrounds us. These should be the same reasons why our children and grandchildren also choose to live here, and why we choose to retire here.
   
5. TRANSPORT SOLUTIONS
   
   Transport solutions for safer roads, walkways and cycleways need to be made now.
   Surveys regularly show that many residents are dissatisfied with aspects of the current transport system. In 2009, most submissions to the Regional Land Transport Strategy (RLTS) noted pedestrian and cyclist safety, Rocks Road improvements and public transport as the main priorities. Meanwhile, the RLTS provided a cost benefit analysis for getting more out of our existing network, however, most of its recommendations were not implemented. We need transport solutions now to provide a high quality safe transport system for locals and visitors. Immediate improvements to our roads, cycleways and pathways will also provide many jobs as the economy rebuilds over the next two years.

1. Looking after our People:
   
   I believe in the strength of this community. Working together we will build a bright future that secures Nelson as a city of opportunity.
   To do this we:
   • ensure a safe and accessible city and protect family lifestyles
   • provide year-round economic activity that helps family budgets
   • support positive partnerships
   • nurture our vibrant volunteer community
   • acknowledge the diverse groups of individuals that make up the richness of Nelson
   
   “We need to celebrate the positive people who live here – from our traditional kiwi lifestylers, to our newcomers and our tangata whenua.”
   
2. Looking after our Economy:
   
   I know the key to great lifestyles and a prosperous region is a thriving and sustainable economy. We must have a can-do attitude that says you don’t need to be big to be the best, you don’t need a huge budget to get a huge result. We need smart people in the right place, working together to add value to our region. Yes, we need to protect our Nelson identity, but we also need to build on it too.
   
   To do this we focus on:
   • job creation and added value
   • export growth from key sectors
   • year-round activity like a conference centre bringing winter jobs
   • sector growth in science and technology, marine engineering & iwi based development
   • the expansion of cycle trails to extend tourist activity
   • the support of small business professionals, working artists and craftspeople
   
3. Looking after our City:
   
   I love the fact that Nelson is blessed with a wide variety of people, cultures and neighbourhoods, which blend to make a great city. We need to safeguard the environment and lifestyle that make this a fantastic place to live by enhancing and supporting our natural environment and providing opportunities for Nelsonians.
   
   To do this we value, preserve, develop and foster:
   • our city design and green spaces
   • Rocks Road, a Nelson icon, and Tahunanui, a much loved destination
   • efficient and effective transport options
   • water security and supply
   • neighbourhood identity
   • a conference centre adding winter jobs
   • a successful performing arts centre
   • our vibrant arts scene and heritage groups
   • the Brook Waimarama Sanctuary
   • civic and sporting community facilities
   
4. Affordable and Efficient Council:
   
   Everyone deserves an effective, efficient council that actively engages with its community to produce a workable budget within a carefully considered rating level. I thereby support initiatives that improve quality decision-making, transparency and accountability with public money.
   
   Rates must be fair and reasonable in the here and now, while being at a level that sustains the long-term prosperity of ‘Our City’. We must not compromise key long-term infrastructure for short-term one-off gains that burden future generations.
   
   This will involve council setting appropriate priorities, cooperating with Tasman on regional projects, ensuring Nelson is ready to respond to climate change, reviewing council owned companies and assets, being ready to respond effectively in an emergency, and involving the community in decision making.
5. Effective Leadership:
   
   Nelsonians are asking for leadership that is commited, transparent, honest and has the integrity to make the difficult decisions. They want an accountable Mayor who understands how to work together as one region - and I really mean it!
   

No issues on file for Mike Ward.

No issues on file for Gary Watson.