Three Questions for Rusty Kane.

Stratford Press.

1. What do you think are the best assets of the Stratford District and how should they be promoted?

Rusty Kane Candidate for Mayor of Stratford District.

Farming is the Stratford District main asset followed by tourism. Yet not many outside Stratford know of the district many outdoor natural attractions. Mountain National Parks Gardens Heritage trails and walkways. Or of Stratford's world class community facilities modern art gallery indoor heated swimming pool complex and multi-sports center. The Stratford District has something for everybody of all ages and activity levels. From golf skiing snow boarding tramping canoing car and horse racing to bird watching and sightseeing. Stratford is one of New Zealand's special places but that fact is not widely known. If elected as your Mayor I will encourage families businesses and tourists alike, to come visit live work or play in the district, by promoting the districts many attractions to other regions. Stratford's other main asset I believe is its people their great culture and attitude . If elected I intend to enhance this community spirit and sense of rural pride, by focusing on the districts farmers the primary source of the district economy. With the central business sector and councillors blessing I propose to declare a Farmers Day every Thursday in the Stratford township. A symbolic day dedicated to farmers of the district. To show that the Stratford township cares respect and appreciate the industry its input and consumer loyalty. I would also encourage Stratford businesses to take advantage of the day by promoting farmer specials and discounts. This day will identify Stratford as the reason farmers come to town. And make farmers feel more at home in their own local town environment and discourage farmers from taking their business to other towns out of the district. Costing them more in fuel and parking costs. It will also put more money in to the pockets of the local business sector and encourage more growth and town vitality at no extra cost to the ratepayers. With this growth and vitality the Stratford district can then be more proactive in encouraging more Tourists and visitor numbers to come see visit and discover the districts many other attractions. This will in turn entice more people to come work and live in the district.

Stratford Press.

2. What do you think is most lacking in the District and how can that be remedied?

Rusty Kane Candidate for Mayor of Stratford District.

I believe a clear identity and focus is whats most lacking in the district.
For an identity I propose to promote Stratford as the central gateway and agricultural capital of Taranaki.
For the focus I propose farmers and all things agricultural and Tourism.
Focusing on these two core economic areas of farming and tourism and creating a strong agricultural identity for the town. I believe is the remedy to the districts future success.

Stratford Press.

3. What do think is the long term future of smaller district councils like Stratford?

Rusty Kane Candidate for Mayor of Stratford District.

National trends suggest that smaller district councils like the Stratford District Council will eventually amalgamate into larger district councils. As have Waitara Inglewood into New Plymouth District Council and Patea Opunake into the South Taranaki District Council. Smaller districts lose their local community identity and focus and take on the identity of the larger town. ie: New Plymouth's identity and focus. Waitara for instance maintains a community board to represent local issues and two councillors representing their area on the NPDC. But as Waitara and Waitara councillors have found when lobbing for their own Waitara issues at the NPDC. They find with only two councillors their own issues are often out voted or overridden by the majority New Plymouth councillors. Yet are expected to pay the same higher rates as New Plymouth to help pay for New Plymouth's wish list extravagances. For this reason if elected I would not recommend that Stratford District amalgamate with a larger council unless the advantages far out weighed the disadvantages for the Stratford District and its ratepayers.