Mayoral Debate Highlights Divergent Visions for Gore’s Future

The recent mayoral debate held in Gore provided a platform for candidates to discuss their visions for the district, but the anticipated confrontation gave way to a more subdued exchange. Organized by the Southland Business Chamber and moderated by Jeff Grant, the event featured incumbent Mayor Ben Bell and his challenger Nicky Davis, a former member of the Gore District Council until 2022. Approximately 50 attendees engaged with the candidates as they tackled community issues and potential solutions.

Mr. Bell opened the debate by reflecting on his initial objective of returning the council to basics, which he claims has been successfully achieved. He expressed gratitude to the community for their support and set a new goal of attracting more business to Gore, asserting that the district is “ripe for an economic boom.” He highlighted the success of local farming as a significant asset.

In contrast, Mrs. Davis painted a more critical picture of the council’s financial management. She characterized the current council as one burdened by excessive expenditures, especially in a time when residents are facing economic challenges. She argued that no business could sustain operations under the current fiscal practices of the council, suggesting that the reliance on debt funding has obscured underlying financial issues. If elected, she pledged to investigate escalating personnel costs and the council’s overall financial health.

The candidates engaged on the topic of Three Waters and Water Done Well, addressing the potential benefits of economies of scale and future amalgamation possibilities. Mrs. Davis expressed her agreement with central government criticisms regarding council affordability and indicated that she might impose a moratorium on new spending to alleviate costs for the district.

Mr. Bell acknowledged that some criticisms were justified but took a jab at the fiscal discipline of the council during Mrs. Davis’s tenure, implying that financial mismanagement led to the council’s credit card being maxed out.

Trust-building within the community was another focal point. Mr. Bell emphasized that fostering trust requires open communication, while Mrs. Davis asserted that strong leadership and accountability are essential for rebuilding that trust.

The debate concluded with questions from the audience, where both candidates fielded inquiries about data centres, potential council amalgamation, cost-saving measures, and the implications of asset sales for the Gore District Council. This exchange, while lacking the fierce rhetoric some may have anticipated, highlighted the contrasting visions of the two candidates as they seek to lead the community into the future.