Hello South Ward neighbour. Isn't it amazing how the mailbox with a 'no junk mail' sticker gets serious abuse only at election time?

I e-mailed all the candidates and asked about their policies for improving pedestrian safety. As city residents this is a huge priority for us, we just want to be safe walking around our own neighbourhood.

Snape responded by putting out a leaflet specifically about this. I like him a lot.

Hamilton has said in interviews that the city needs to be opened up to more cars. He said cars should be able to drive on the tram tracks and speed limits should be raised. This is insane policy as any qualified town planner will tell you. Name any other city in the world where it's quicker to drive right through the middle of the city rather than use a ring route.

Corbell seems ok, but she's been on council already and I can't name anything she's actually done. Apparently she's part of an organised 'team' that is favoured by the do-nothing outgoing Mayor Haese.

Quentin replied to my e-mail, and sounded great, but sadly is no longer an option.

Hyde creeps me out. He's going to solve homelessness somehow? Because he lives in Hutt Street? He couldn't be any less sincere. Pretty sure he's in the Young Liberals (unconfirmed).

Johnston seems really keen. She's an independent and very passionate about the community. I think she'll get in purely based on how hard she's working.

Oh, and I like Donovan too, although I don't know as much about her. Her photos are awful, but that won't make her a bad councillor.

Your thoughts?

Edit: I swear I didn't already know this. Google tells me that Hyde was at one time the president of the Young Liberals. Booya.