The pillar policies of the Independent Together ticket are built on confronting what really matters to hard-working ratepayers and businesses: the crushing weight of runaway rates, the explosion of wasteful and ideologically driven services devouring council funds, and the corrosive grip of party politics and radical activist agendas on council decision-making.
At four town hall meetings across the city we laid out our reasoning and our clear plan to cut the waste and restore common sense spending.
Far-left political extremists and their professional agitator allies turned up at two of those meetings, culminating in their thuggish attempt to shout down our message and intimidate supporters at the finale at The Grand in Courtenay Place. These are the same forces that use disruption, fear and psychological warfare to protect their grip on power. The political games being played have taken a heavy toll on every candidate who dares to stand against them.
The accompanying media storm and relentless scrutiny on our team has been vicious. As one very experienced media commentator has already stated, he has never seen such prolonged and savage media attacks used in the lead-up to local body elections before.
The extent of it has been unnerving on our business and community minded candidates. While the team feels the loss of both Andrea Compton and Dan Milward, we acknowledge the impact this is having on both of their families. Politics is extremely challenging for the inexperienced.
Dan Milward says: “Like many others, I was surprised by the recent allegations and the media feeding frenzy that followed. Finally, when my wife was threatened by these radical agitators at our final roadshow event in Wellington CBD on Tuesday night, I knew it was time to take a different approach.”
Threats, bullying and intimidation tactics from the political establishment and their far-left allies will not work on Independent Together candidates anymore./p>
We are stronger, tougher and more focused than ever. We remain committed to delivering on our five key pillars for the betterment of Wellington and getting enough independent fighters around the council table to deliver for ratepayers.
We will put Wellingtonians first, and with Ray Chung for Mayor, can cauterise the financial bleeding.
To find out more about Independent Together and our five pillars go to https://voteforit.co.nz
