Georgina Beyer Buoyed by apparent community support, Georgina Beyer is launching a bid to become mayor of Masterton. Three years after retiring from Parliament, the former Carterton Mayor and Wairarapa MP has decided to put her name forward for candidacy. A small text pollrun by the Wairarapa Times-Age in April had Beyer well in the lead with 63 percent popularity. Incumbent mayor Garry Daniell scored 23 percent, while councillor David Holmes had 7.6 support. Radio announcer Brent Gare has since confirmed to the newspaper that he will also run. Beyer says the result of the poll was good, although it was most unscientific. "It was indicative I suppose of an element of support out there for my giving it a go." The transgender icon has received personal words of support from people in the community, which she points out is also non-scientific. "The only poll which will actually show how good a support or not there was or not will be the day." Nominations haven't opened yet and Beyer says she will reveal the full details of her campaign once they are closed, however she has previously told GayNZ.com she sees council amalgamation as a key issue, which she believes she can help the region work through due to her political experience. Beyer expects it to be a "short sharp" election campaign. The 2010 local body elections are being held on Saturday 9 October. Nominations for candidates open on Friday 23 July and close on Friday 20 August.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Friday, 4th June 2010 - 9:09am