Workman to bow out, hats thrown in

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, Issue 575, 28 February 1995, Page 1

Workman to bow out, hats thrown in

Ruapehu 's mayor Garrick Workman will not be standing for mayor this coming election. He announced his decision at the Ruapehu District Council meeting last Friday. Mr Workman said he had thought long and hard about the decision. "I have decided it is in my best interests and certainly in my wife, family and business's best interests to stand down." He said he would have liked to have remained as part of the team that will help cement the changes to local government in the Ruapehu area, that have come about under the local government reform. Mr Workman has been mayor since the Ruapehu District was formed in 1989 and before that was mayor of the Waimarino District Council, for its 1 8 months of existence. Before that he had been mayor of Raetihi. Hehas been in local government for about 21 years. Hats in Councillor Bob Peck announced after the meeting that he had decided to "throw his hat in the ring" when he had heard the news earlier in the week, and Cr Weston Kirton advised yesterday that he would stand for mayor. Deputy mayor Graeme Cosford told the Bulletin yesterday he would be considering standing, but would be making his decision later. "The election is several months away and there is no need for an urgent decision." He said June would be soon enough to make an announcement. Councillor June B aker said she will be considering standing but that it was "early days yet" for making announcements. She said she was grateful to Mr Workman for his early announcement, which gave people time to consider their options. In a press statement, Mr Peck said he would, if elected, make "every effort to encourage a continuing strengthening of our community of interest as the Ruapehu District". Regarding rates, roads and other issues "important to our consumers, the ratepayer" he said he would listen carefully. "I am a people person, not a systems man." Mr Peck, 64, served as mayor and deputy mayor of Raetihi. He was the Ohakune Raetihi representative on the Wanganui United Council, is currently chair of the Waimarino Rest Home Trust Board, is a past president of the Raetihi Ohakune Rotary Club and a former member of the Ruapehu Board of Governors. He was vicar of St Mary's Anglican Parish in the Waimarino for 15 years. He said if he were elected he would serve as a full-time mayor. "I look forward to a lively , articulate, issue filled campaigri," he concluded.

Mr Kirton said he had put serious consideration into the matter before making his announcement. "People in the district can be assured of my commitment to the district and my experience in local government." "I am fortunate to have a background in farming and business and have been successful in three past elections, representing urban and rural ratepayers," he stated. Ruapehu District Council deputy chief executive Chris Ryan was appointed returning officer for the October elections.