Just after we posted on excessive numbers of press releases and launches by Wellington City Council during the election period, featuring the Mayor and other elected respresentatives like John Morrison, it appears the Mayor is at it again.
This time she or council officials have brought forward the annual Mayoral concert to October 2nd so it happens right smack bang in the middle of the closest mayoral election contest in a decade. Mayoral concerts for older persons have been running since 2004. Last year it took place on 8 November.
This matter could be an offence under local government legislation and a councillor has called in the Police to investigate. But will they report before or after the election? Can this behaviour be tolerated? Does it undermine the integrity of the democratic process?
Not a good look for the mayor, for agreeing to participate, and for council officials, for arranging this: another ill timed event. It shows poor judgement all round.
The Dominion Post reported:
Wellington Mayor Kerry Prendergast has claimed innocence amid accusations that she is using a free concert and afternoon tea for the elderly to entice them to vote for her at the local body elections.
Mayoral candidate Bryan Pepperell has lodged a formal complaint over the issue, which has been sent to the police for investigation.
Ms Prendergast sent out letters with the official council letterhead inviting elderly residents to attend tomorrow’s free Mayoral Concert and afternoon tea at the Town Hall. The concert – which often attracts hundreds of people – is an annual event which, in the past three years, has been held in November.
However, this year it takes place tomorrow – just six days before the polls close.
Mr Pepperell, a current Southern ward councillor, lodged a complaint with the Wellington Electoral Office yesterday.
“She has got the benefit of all the council services here. The letter is on council stationery and she must have used council databases to find the addresses.
“This has the potential to subvert the voting process and there are serious implications.”
You may note that in the article the Mayor contradicts herself. First she says that date of the concerts are nothing to do with her, then she says they are scheduled to fit in around her private holidays.
WCC Watch 
One of my friends received an invitation to this. He’s 20. So it’s not even as if she’s restricting her pandering to the elderly.
What’s the bet no one under voting age is invited.
Or he’s listed as someone that likes scones and tea.
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