Council candidates for DCC and ORC were invited by OUSA for a speed dating event at the Main Common Room. Fantastic to meet a number of students, not that many – my daughter told me we looked intimidating and I get that!!. Mostly they were concerned about issues of local theatre network, standard of housing, state of the university streets and safety. Climate Change Action was also a topic to discuss. Plus the Transphobia exhibited by a number of other candidates. Heartbreaking to see the effect this has on young people (the disgusting open harassment). A Mayoral Candidate, who had openly spoken out on his thoughts and prejudices the previously evening, tried to harass me too, thrusting his offensive signage at me, telling me I needed it – firmly told to ‘go away’. A student commented that they didn’t feel safe to approach that many of us, given some ideologies and behaviour that some candidates exhibit. I urged everyone I met to vote. We must get people involved in democracy to ensure it represents and works for them.
It was also great to sit at the table with Robyn McLean, a wonderful candidate for Council, plus catch up with other Council and Mayoral hopefuls, getting to know them better.
Sophie Barker Mayor of Dunedin 