Election forum report
Last night we had what was supposed to be the "big" election forum at one of the Town Hall rooms. A full report will be given later as there were some bizarre moments and some bizarre characters. In the meantime:

Rebecca Fox writes in todays Otago Daily Times:

Tax cuts, energy dilemmas, and family issues dominated discussions by 16 candidates at an election forum in Dunedin last night.
The forum, organized by the Star and the Otago Chamber of Commerce, attracted about 50 people to the Dunedin Centre's Fullwood Room.
It gave all candidates equal opportunity to outline their parties election platforms, and to speak about three issues suggested by members of the public – tax cuts, energy and abortion.
All parties were promising tax relief in some form, with Alliance's Victor Billot, of Dunedin North, getting a round of applause for advocating a tax cut for ordinary people, not the ones needing a "second BMW or spa pool."
National's Katherine Rich, of Dunedin North, defended her parties policy, saying it was fair, simple and hit people who needed it, unlike the "bossy boot" Labour Government policy.
Labour's David Benson-Pope, of Dunedin South, bit back, by saying the Working for Families pledge was affordable, did not require borrowing, and targeted those most in need.
Green Party candidate Peter Tomlinson, of Dunedin South, got a round of applause for saying Labour's policy was about children, not adults.
Many candidates were claiming to be a little green when it came to addressing increasing demand for electricity and plans to avert a power crisis.
National's Conway Powell, of Dunedin South, described himself as "blue green" when it came to conservation.
"We're all in the poo together."
Mr Billot called for the country's power to be returned to the people.
"It's our power, and should be provided at a reasonable price."

PS Chris Ford also attended the meeting and spoke very well. We were both well received by the audience.
- posted by Victor @ 9:42 AM