Board Atmosphere: Business Leaders Speak to Oakland Mayoral Candidates

Wayne Brown is, from a business standpoint, the best candidate to be Oakland’s next mayor.

Who are the top voted candidates in the Herald’s Mood of the Boardroom poll?
New Zealand’s commercial cities have the best qualifications to be an effective Auckland mayor, with businessman Brown having a 51% approval rating.

“I am on the board chaired by Wayne Brown,” says one professional director. “He’s the kind of no-nonsense guy who, with at least some support around the council table, would solve a lot of Oakland’s problems.”

Brown is seen as a disruptive player who gets things done.

He was the former mayor of the Far North District Council and served two terms before being ousted in the 2013 local elections.

He has chaired the Auckland DHB, led a series of large organizations with over $1 billion in turnover, has served as a director or chairman of various state-owned companies, and most recently worked for the Labor and NZ First Coalition Government’s North Island Supply Chains. led the review of He recommended moving the Auckland port to Northland. The top chairperson suggested he was a “mean guy” and would tease his way out to make sure things got done, stating, “Three years is enough!”

Epheso Collins, who was elected to the Auckland City Council in the 2016 local elections, was well behind in second place in the survey, with 16% of respondents in favor.

Collins has established herself as an all-encompassing candidate, having served as a youth development and community liaison before entering politics.

“Mr Collins’ main qualification for this role is that he’s not Wayne Brown, and he knows how Congress works with all its frustration,” Real Estate said. “Why anyone would want this job is a mystery to me. The mayor is set to fail by one vote, and the main position on the proposal is ‘no’.” . “

Viv Beck (although her name is still on the ballot), who just pulled out of the race last week to not split the center-right vote, was supported by just 12% of respondents. While she was away from her role as CEO of her Heart of the City, she was unable to deliver on her achievements and was plagued by her campaign funding problems.

Another said, “Viv imploded. I thought she was pretty capable.”

Only two people thought Craig Lord would be the best fit to be mayor of Oakland, with 19% saying they don’t know or would prefer someone else.

Harcourts Managing Director Bryan Thomson said:

“What a tragic choice,” a response from an investment firm partner summed up the mood of many who commented.

What do CEOs think about key policies?

Auckland Port Proposal Not Feasible

Brown said he would require the Port of Oakland to pay $400 million a year in rent to start releasing the land for more valuable uses than importing freight and cars.

However, half of survey respondents (52%) say this is not achievable. “It’s a simplistic phrase that doesn’t address many interrelated issues,” said Deloitte Chairman Thomas Pipos.

“It’s 100% council owned,” says the top travel department boss. “If he bankrupts it, the council will end up recycling $400 million to the port company.”

Accordant Chair Simon Bennett said:

However, 21% believe the proposal is a step in the right direction. Others were unsure. From one entrepreneur: “It’s about time. The Port of Auckland has blatantly ignored public voices in expanding its footprint. Their management needs to be curbed.”

Low support for free public transport

Collins’ flagship free public transport policy is estimated by the Auckland Transportation Authority to cost about $130 million initially and $500 million by 2030.

Only 23% of business leaders agree with this key policy, and those in favor want it to solve broader challenges across the city.

A real estate boss says free public transport “creates an opportunity to eat into disastrous traffic jams and climate change failures.”

Another CEO thinks:

A prominent chairman suggested that costs would be minimal if we take into account already subsidized fares.

About 58% oppose the policy, with some suggesting that frequency and accessibility of service, not cost, is what keeps people from using public transport. increase.

“This will involve a significant loss of revenue, but probably will not result in a significant increase in public transport use,” said one chairman. Another question asks, “Why subsidize everyone, including tourists?”

While Beck is no longer in the race, her plans to scrap the government’s $14.6 billion light rail project and replace it with practical, cheap and quick solutions, including better bus services, have been well received by respondents. In favor, 42% of respondents agreed. suggestion.

“In the long term, Auckland will need light rail, but current plans are not suitable,” said the chief executive of Professional Services.

However, 27% disagreed with Beck, with some pointing out that the bus had reached capacity.

“That’s why the light rail is being proposed. Symonds St is complete,” said one investor.

Tomorrow: Watch Herald’s live video stream starting at 7:30am. Mood of the Boardroom editor Fran O’Sullivan presents key findings from his CEO survey this year, ‘Mood’ among CEOs and senior directors as companies navigate tough times to summarize.