A mood for change and 'lack of a credible opponent” have driven Rob Kent to a second crack at the Rotorua mayoralty.

Rob says the incumbent Steve Chadwick is losing support because of high debt.

He feels this has been mainly brought about by big spending projects.

He's also objecting to a quasi-Central government approach which allows councillors with portfolios spending authority to a certain limit, without needing approval of fellow councillors.

The two-term Rotorua lakes councillor has been given extra responsibilities in the present term and is presently an RMA commissioner.

Rob is the third of three seriously regarded candidates to contend the mayoralty. Steve and Reynold Macpherson confirmed their respective candidacies earlier this year.

Their nominations have also been confirmed.

Rob has responded to series of questions posed by Rotorua Now.

Q: Do you sense a mood for change?
A: I am hearing that Steve has lost some support due to the amount of debt being clocked up, and inadequate public consultation before launching into all the big spending projects at the same time in this LTP (which I was the only one to vote against). There is also some dissatisfaction around the council table as to the way things are being run, particularly that her Central Government approach of individual councillors having portfolios and spending authority without the other elected members' knowledge does not work in Local Government - the CBD fiasco being the best example. The main comment I've been hearing a lot is. 'who do we vote for as Steve's only opposition for the Mayoralty has lost all credibility". So yes, I believe there is a greater mood for change than at this stage in the last election, which is why I have decided to run again.
Q:Where in specific areas can improvements be made?
A: Apart from reviewing the LTP (and council expenditure) to see how the planned debt levels can be brought down, under my leadership you will see:
■ A proper plan developed to rescue the failing CBD, including addressing parking and public transport issues.
■ A restructured more efficient council, eliminating portfolios and this ridiculous "do everything twice" we currently have to put up with, implementing proper financial control
■ A review of CCOs.
■ A review of council policies and delegations.

Q: In the current term you seem more settled?
A: In my first term it was extremely frustrating as I was strategically blocked from contributing in debates. Apparently there even used to be strategy meetings before council and committee meetings to plan how to shut me up and counter any arguments I was likely to make. That has changed. Since my work on the RMA Policy Committee this term, I think I have earned sufficient respect around the table, and that it is now accepted that I can make valuable contributions while not necessarily agreeing with others. I have also learned to be more of a politician, biting my tongue on the minor issues and concentrating on making my views count when it matters.

Q: RMA responsibilities?
A: I have enjoyed my RMA policy committee work. It is not commonly recognised how important this committee is to unlocking the future growth and potential of Rotorua, while cutting regulatory red-tape wherever possible. It is particularly pleasing to see all the controversial Plan Changes we have implemented this term proceed without any legal challenge from the community.

Q: Have you enjoyed better this term than the previous three years?
A: Yes. I have won some, and lost some, but at least I have been listened to this term.

Q: What do you make, three years on, of criticism that in standing in 2016 you split the vote to deny another candidate?
A: Sour grapes from a bad loser. I have been a nominated Mayoral candidate ever since 2013, and we live in a democracy.