INCUMBENT Howick city councillors Sharon Stewart and Jami-Lee Ross are thrilled and relieved after their re-election.
“It’s very pleasing to see the work and effort I’ve put in for Howick over the last three years has paid off and people have appreciated what I’ve tried to do,” Mr Ross says.
Mrs Stewart paid particular tribute to Howick locals, including husband David and friend Nigel Edwards.
“I’m most grateful to all the people that have supported me,” she says.
Though the two councillors did not always see eye to eye in the previous term, their re-election is somewhat of a stamp of approval for their work.
And their uneasy relationship is something they’re both looking to put right.
Mr Ross says he rang and congratulated Mrs Stewart on Saturday night.
“I hope that we can mend the relationship which hasn’t faired as well as I would’ve hoped in the last three years.
“At the end of the day Sharon and I are both working in Howick’s interest and I hope we can work well together for the next three years.
Mrs Stewart agrees, citing a need to work on both local and citywide issues.
“We just have to look at this new term and try to all work together, not just in Howick but in Manukau.”
Both are looking forward to the new term, particularly keen to address the issue of wastewater charges.
“The way that the council sets wastewater charges now is completely unfair, and I will be continuing to push for the charges to be changed so they’re based more on what ratepayers use,” Mr Ross says.
Mrs Stewart agreed the wastewater charges are an issue and also cites the Garden of Memories as another topic she’d like to see resolved.
She also wants close checks on council spending.
“I’m one of those councillors that really believes the money should be spent on infrastructure. I also want to really push for the building and resource consents to get more on track.”
Howick
Council – 2 positions:
Sharon Stewart 5690; Jami-Lee Ross 5514; John Spiller 5054; Jim Donald 2820; Lyn Murphy 2697; Ken Yee 2468; Grant Taylor 815. Community Board – 5 positions.
Jim Donald 6439; Adele White 6303; Lyn Murphy 5942; Shenagh Noles 4986; Hamish Stevens 3944; Barry Wood 3827; Mike Smith 3590; Grant Taylor 3302; Peter Wilson 3203, Rosa Chow 3151, Murray Reid 2972; Johnson Li 2955; Lynette Greeff 2771.
