Mon 12 Apr 2010 In: New Zealand Daily News View at Wayback View at NDHA
After a three-year break from the world of politics, Georgina Beyer is considering running for mayor of Masterton. Georgina Beyer Three years after retiring from Parliament, the Kiwi transgender icon says she decided to "put a toe in the water" to gauge the response to a return. The 52-year-old discussed the idea with attendees at the 2nd National Trans Human Rights hui in Wellington this weekend, where she says the reaction was supportive. A story was also run in local newspaper the Wairarapa Times-Age, with readers asked to contact the paper with their thoughts on Beyer running for mayor. "The feedback from readers, on the response they've had so far, is looking pretty good for me," she says. Although buoyed by the support, she says any negativity in the community is unlikely to stop her. "The more borax I get the stronger my resolve to run will be." After five years as Carterton Mayor and three-terms as a Labour MP, the Greytown resident says she has plenty to offer a community she remains incredibly passionate about. "I come with a pretty good CV for the job. I'd add a bit of charisma to the job. And why should I allow that experience I have to go to waste?" As other regions closely monitor Auckland's move to a super city, Beyer says she sees amalgamation as the key local issue. She says her knowledge of the inning workings of Parliament would be vital in leading Masterton forward. "Amalgamation and such - these are going to be major issues. And I know how Parliament works, I'm a proven team leader - and I'm a show pony of course." Beyer is currently working at Michael Hill Jeweller in Masterton, a job she describes as a "dazzling career". She jokes it would make an amazing campaign office, as it is proving a place to connect with the community. "I've already had a few people walking past the shop saying 'yeah go for it', people young and old." Beyer expects to make a definite decision on a mayoralty bid within a month.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Monday, 12th April 2010 - 8:31pm