Voting is in full swing
Most people have their voting papers by now (if yours haven't arrived by Thurs 27th, contact Max Robertson 941-8533 or max.robertson@ccc.govt.nz).
While I was door-knocking today around the City Housing areas, I talked to lots of people who had already posted theirs in - quick and efficient! But, the stats from previous years show that there is a fairly steady return across the three weeks - a slight spike at the start, but still plenty of votes to come in. E-Day is Saturday 13 October - your papers have to be in by 12pm that day.
For those not in my ward, my statement that was sent out with the voting papers can be read here. I've also just written this for the Star:

Council’s traditional role is “roads, rates and rubbish” – these need re-thinking for the 21st century.
Roads are community spaces; travel is the life-blood of our city. Let’s maximise choice! Safe, efficient cycle and bus lanes will keep Christchurch moving.
Rubbish: more than dumps and recycling. Reducing rubbish will take bold ideas, like bottle deposits to stop broken glass litter.
Rates: we must be smarter about spending. We want good civic facilities, but let’s stop the extravagant rises of the past three years.
And a fourth “R”, rivers: in south Christchurch the Heathcote especially. Council has a responsibility to protect water quality and ensure a healthy environment.
I’ve served six years on Community Board. I live in Spreydon with my wife and two sons, and teach environmental education in schools.
Your vote is important, please use it. As a councillor I’ll be accessible and accountable. I value your support.
See: http://www.pauldespa.co.nz/

I've just printed a leaflet about Heathcote River issues: delivered about 150 of them today, and will be back into it tomorrow and Thursday (so will my partner Justine ;-)

Spreydon-Heathcote ward public meeting
I'm just back from a meeting at the Cracroft Community Centre (Old Stone House) - the only candidates meeting in the ward this election. A good turnout - members of the public outnumbering candidates 2:1 (some meetings I've been at recently had the opposite ratio!)

There were a great range of issues raised - I got asked about light rail and bus priority, as well as waste reduction. I promoted The Great New Zealand Bottle Drive as a way of reducing broken glass litter, and reducing community groups' reliance on funding from pokie trusts.

The City Vision candidates spoke a lot about crime and safety, which got us on to tagging and security cameras. Some good issues raised but quite a bit of politics-of-fear stuff too.
Oscar, Chris, Karolin and Phil all spoke well, so did young independent candidate Matthew MacDonald.

Tomorrow I'm off out delivering flyers to council housing.

My campaign vehicle!

If you'd like one of these too, have a look at the Sunday Afternoon Cycling Church.

Thanks Steven Muir for helping me build this.