Three-term Councillor Wendy Schollum announced her run for Hastings mayor with a flourish and a challenge this week.
Over 100 supporters joined the launch event, replete with campaign buttons, video recording, official photographer and hi-viz vests for her campaign team, plus an endorsement from fellow Councillor Michael Fowler … all evidence of a well-oiled campaign machine and serious determination.
Her message in slogan form: Proven leadership … Fresh thinking
There were no real surprises in her launch remarks – smarter council spending (a campaign mandatory this season), improving housing options, listening to the community. Here is her speech.
However, Schollum did break new ground by delivering a challenge for transparency to her fellow candidates:
“I’m calling on every candidate in this election (for Council, for boards, and for Mayor) to publicly disclose who’s supporting them before voting opens.
That means disclosing:
- Any financial donations or in-kind contributions over $500
- Any support from individuals or groups who have held political roles in the past 12 months
- Any cumulative or indirect support – even if it’s not handed over in one go, or if it’s not cash. Whether it’s signage, printing, hosting events, media support, or strategic help behind the scenes.
“Because let’s be honest; influence doesn’t only come with a bank transfer – it comes with time, access, and agendas.”
Schollum noted she was self-funding her campaign and, referring to voters: “I’ve had offers of financial support – generous ones – but I’ve chosen to self-fund this campaign because I want to owe nothing but my accountability to you.
“And for those who do accept support – that’s fine. Not everyone can self-fund. We want diverse voices on Council. But what matters is being honest about it.
“Because if a candidate won’t be transparent with you before the election – then I think it’s fair to ask: why not?”
Fair question.
I don’t think we’ve seen a mayor buy an election in HB. A grand or two changes nothing & I have no idea how you’d value ‘in kind’ assistance. I’ve funded no one and would love to see more candidates a decent scrap for it. I can’t recall a campaign in Hasting that didn’t have a big name front runner. If you fancy a tilt, now’s the time.
Wendy may well be referring in part to support & influence from other political parties. Good on her for asking for transparency.
Just not sure flower power is the right fit for Hastings!
Wendy will raise taxes until eternity and give you less for the tax paid.
She will tell you what a good idea both digital ID is and Central Bank Digital Currencies are.
If there is another pandemic she will be 100% complaint with central Government.
Something needs to change is the only observation.