[ad_1]
Kavinda Herath / Things
Paddy O’Brien will not contest the Invercargill City Council by-elections in February despite initially indicating that he would.
Paddy O’Brien retired from the race for the vacant seat around the Invercargill City Council table.
The former international rugby referee and current board member of the Invercargill Licensing Trust announced his intentions last month to run for council in the February by-elections.
A venue was opened after former Deputy Mayor Toni Biddle resigned as councilor.
In announcing his intentions to support, O’Brien said he felt he could bring skills to the council table that would be valuable, along with a good ear for listening to the Invercargill community.
READ MORE:
* David Pottinger after a seat at the Invercargill City Council with his brother
* ICC needs cleaning, not cleaning
* Candidates point to the current performance of the Invercargill City Council
He said he had seen problems unfold on the board and wanted to improve the perception and performance of the board.
However, O’Brien said Thursday he did not feel he could give the campaign and the role of the council the time it deserved.
O’Brien works for World Rugby as their seven umpire manager and is also heavily involved in the Hawthorndale Care Village project.
“I have had conversations with several key people about the time and commitment that I would have to give to the position and I have decided that I could not do it justice,” he said.
Being a councilor is a demanding role that requires a reliable commitment and focus, so you need enough time spent on it, he said.
He encouraged other community leaders to step up and take the opportunity to represent the city.
As of Thursday morning, no nominations had been submitted for the February by-council elections. Nominations opened on November 24 and will close on December 22.
While no nominations have been officially submitted, Wayne Harpur and David Pottinger have told Stuff they intend to stand up for the seat. Election day is February 17th.
