Smart parking is the key, says mayoral candidate

Hamilton mayoral candidate Andrew King believes smart parking is the way to a vibrant CBD.

During Wednesday’s Hamilton City Great Mayoral Race Debate, King shared his self-proclaimed “not-very-PC” view.

“The people who spend money in the CBD generally drive a car, we need to get parking back in the city.”

King suggested bringing angle parking back to Hamilton, but said the key was smart parking.

There has been a budget set for smart parking, which he believes is the answer to the dying CBD.

“I know it sounds simple but I believe that’s what it will take to make it work, let’s keep it simple,” King told an audience of hundreds at Wintec’s Atrium.

After fellow contender Jack Gielen sang a Bob Marley rendition accompanied by his guitar, he also mentioned parking.

But Gielen believes free parking is the answer.

“We need to revitalise the city with free parking” Gielen said. “Also provide more employment and affordable houses. We need a vision to ignite the whole city.”

The open-invite debate was also a chance for voters to ask the mayoral candidates their hard questions about the city’s future.

Waikato Chamber of Commerce CEO William Durning asked the candidates to look forward three years, and describe the city of Hamilton.

Chris Simpson replied with “united”.

“That’s what I see, a very unified Hamilton.”

Rob Pascoe sees a new Founders Theatre and three years of operating surplus, although he foresees Hamilton’s debut will be a “little higher”.

King sees a city that lives within its means.

“I’d like a city built on the foundation of truth, on a foundation of truth our city will prosper. I want to see a city that lives within its means,” he said.

When questioned on their pet projects, James Casson proposed a walk/bike loop around the lake.

Casson’s wife is a marathon runner, and he said “unfortunately” he has to walk with her.

Gielen has a more spiritual pet project in the works.

He plans to unite all Christians to pray.

“We would pray in sync for everyone, we would pray health and wellbeing. We would also pray for people within the council. That’s part of my dream”.

And their own special attribute they would bring to the job?

Simpson says it is his sense of direction.

“I’ve lived in other cities and seen them transform. I’m relying on my background,” he said.

Arshad Chatha believes it is his “strong personality” that makes him the perfect fit for Hamilton mayor.

“I am not a parrot, I have my own strong personality. If you vote for me I will give you everything,” he said.

Paula Southgate believes she can make the hard decisions for council. She said the healthy river process plan, which she worked on during her time as a Waikato Regional Councillor, won her followers and enemies.

“But I always do what is right, I will always do what is right,” she said.

Casson talked of his work with the United Nations, comparing it to council.

“I could bring the voice of reason to the council. I’m prepared to roll my sleeves up like I did in my work with the United Nations. I’m willing to shed sweat again, for this city,” Casson said.