Support builds for Beyer
Support is mounting
for Georgina Beyer to run for the mayoralty in Masterton.
Ms Beyer, the world's first transsexual MP and mayor, told the Times-Age
she is considering standing for the post
based on the level of public support. If successful, she would be the first
Maori mayor the town has had.
The possibility was outlined in a Times-Age story on Saturday about Ms Beyer's new
job in sales at Michael Hill Jeweller in the town. Since then a slew of emails
have been fielded at the Times-Age about Ms Beyer and her possible candidacy, with only one voter questioning
whether Masterton needs ''a second-hand mayor and recycled MP''.
Ms Beyer said yesterday she had been receiving support for her potential bid from members of the public. She was elected as
the first transsexual Member of Parliament, serving with the Labour Party for eight years from 1999. She was first elected Wairarapa MP with a
32 per cent swing from National to Labour, resigning as the world's first
transsexual mayor (of Carterton) in 2000 after wearing the chains of office for seven years.
Two years later she was re-elected as Wairarapa MP.
She re-entered Parliament in 2005 as a Labour Party list MP.
Ms Beyer gave her valedictory speech in Parliament on Valentine's Day in
2007 and by May had quashed the ''strong'' possibility that she would contest
the Wellington mayoralty.
The next month, she announced she would run once again for the mayoralty in Carterton but in August had turned her back on
the candidacy, citing scarce interest from the community and a lack of campaign
funds.
She last served in a community role in Masterton in 2008 as Violence Free
Wairarapa co-ordinator. On Saturday, Ms Beyer said her intention regarding the Masterton mayoralty came at a
time when she was ''refreshed and renewed'' and ready to step back into the
political arena.
She had kept a weather eye on both central and local government since leaving
Parliament, she said, and felt she must not squander her 14 years of political
experience wandering the wilds beyond the halls of power. Three rivals have
declared their candidacy for the
Masterton mayoralty _ incumbent Garry Daniell and councillors Jeff Workman and
David Holmes.
Mr Daniell said yesterday the inclusion of Ms Beyer in the race would be ''most interesting indeed'' and that
''judging by the various aspirants, Masterton is a desirable place to be''.
''It is good to see democracy is alive and well,'' he said.
Mr Workman said Ms Beyer ''would add life,
vitality and colour'' to the local elections and he believed she had
''performed reasonably well'' as both an MP and mayor.
''My only reservation is about what she has achieved since leaving Parliament.
''It's a bit of a sorry tale right to the bottom and not very inspiring at
all.''
Mr Holmes declined to comment.