Hardaker’s win could bring a costly plan for renting students.
Hillcrest student Laura Davidson is bracing herself for extra costs if plans for water meters go ahead.
A last minute decision did not work in favour for Hamilton resident Laura Davidson after switching her choice for mayor from Julie Hardaker to Ewan Wilson.
“Since (Hardaker) was doing a pretty good job of the central city I had my mind set on her for mayor, but then I read about the whole water meters thing and realised that wouldn’t benefit anyone like me,” Ms Davidson said, “I saw that Ewan Wilson was against the meters so I figured he’d be the best choice since Dave Macpherson was backing him too.”
Despite Davidson’s vote for Wilson, Julie Hardaker became the first Hamilton mayor re-elected to office by voters in almost two decades, defeating Wilson by 2894 votes.
Wilson was still able to make it back on to council representing the West Ward, along with Martin Gallagher, Angela O’Leary and Dave Macpherson.
The East Ward, where Davidson lives, saw the return of Gordon Chesterman and Margaret Forsyth.
“I’m happy with the new set of councillors, but I’m not so thrilled with the choice for mayor,” Davidson said, “If Julie Hardaker makes this water meters thing to go ahead I’m sure it would only make life more expensive for the majority. It’s only the rate payers who benefit, rent payers like me just end up paying for more.”
The Waikato Times reported that the council city infrastructure general manager Chris Allen estimated the cost of a single water meter would be around $450 and $500. After crunching the numbers Dave Macpherson estimated the change could cost $20 million and add $2.5 million a year to the rates bill, although these figures were challenged by Hardaker.
“I don’t see how Hardaker’s plans will help the average person so I don’t expect much from the council,” Davidson said, “There’s not a lot we can do now but just wait for the next elections I guess.”
