Beck pulls put

The Herald reports:

Auckland mayoral candidate Viv Beck has pulled out of the race today.

The Heart of the City chief executive is the second big name to quit, following the decision by restaurateur Leo Molloy to bow out on August 12.

Her late withdrawal means her name will remain on voting papers.

In a statement, Beck said: “My decision comes with a heavy heart but given the strength of concern about issues that need addressing across our region, it is important to avoid splitting the centre-right vote,” said Beck.

It is heartening that both Leo Molloy and Viv Beck have put aside their personal ambitions, for the sake of getting a change at Auckland Council.

If Aucklanders want a change from the status quo, the only real choice is Wayne Brown. He will go through the Council like a mortar. Some of his pledges:

• Instruct council chief executive to cut the staff bill for officers earning more than $300,000 by 30 per cent
• tell City Rail Link to clear Albert St of site offices and stick to one lane for concrete truck deliveries to free up space for struggling businesses.
• stop ratepayer funding for Eke Panuku Auckland and Auckland Unlimited, saying they eat about $100m of ratepayers’ money a year with very little to show for it.
• Wants rates to be at the lowest level to provide the services needed.
• Move Ports of Auckland

Incidentally the final Auckland Ratepayers’ Alliance/Curia poll on the Auckland Mayoralty will be released on Wednesday 21 September. Those attending the Mayoral Meet the Candidates meeting at Jack Dickey Community Hall in Greenlane will get the results first, as they will be presented immediately prior to the candidate debate.