Stephen Berry's Statist Ratings Guide

The final candidate listings have been released. Independent candidate Stephen Berry is continuing a tradition started in his 2004 Auckland Mayoral candidacy by providing voters with a comparison on the various candidates’ commitment to freedom.

“Often the media will focus on a supposed ‘top-tier’ ignoring those they perceive to be minor candidates. That has been the case in Tamaki as well as other electorates. Three of the candidates have also been shut out of a public meeting scheduled for today, making it difficult for voters to really make up their mind about the options they have.”

It is Stephen Berry’s intention to rectify this lack of information by providing his commentary on the policies of Tamaki candidates and providing each candidate with a five star ‘statist rating.’ A statist rating of no stars indicates a candidate is completely committed to economic and personal freedom for individuals. A statist rating of five stars will be awarded to those who strongly advocate more laws and regulations that reduce economic and personal freedom for individuals.

In alphabetical order

Nick Bakulich (Labour) Will increase the minimum wage to $15 and introduce a 39% tax rate on those earning over $150K. Create a $5000 income tax threshold and introduce capital gains tax. Increase labour regulations. Supports increased alcohol regulation. You’ll get plenty more government with a vote for Nick.
Statist Rating: ****

Stephen Berry (Independent) Introduce a $15,000 income tax-free threshold and give people the chance to opt out of income tax and government services. Abolish the minimum wage, privatise social welfare, health, education and state assets. Has identified over 30 Government departments for abolition. Will deregulate drugs and alcohol for adults.
Statist Rating:

John Boscawen (Act) Comes from the party that supports individual freedom and personal responsibility, yet voted to ban tobacco displays in dairies. Opposed ban on synthetic cannabis but did not support Don Brash’s call for cannabis decriminalisation. Supports big personal/company tax cuts and a reduced youth minimum wage. Boscawen has made clear he does not want to be re-elected so classical liberals should look elsewhere when casting their electorate vote.
Statist rating: **

Richard Leckinger (Green) A big government candidate who advocates a $15 minimum wage and spending over $1 billion on an Auckland rail loop. Believes government can solve child poverty and advocates corporate welfare through green subsidies. Will double DOC’s budget and will use government action to insulate 200,000 homes. Supports carbon taxes.
Statist Rating: *****

Simon O’Connor (National) Facebook page is light on policy but he thinks $12m will shorten hospital waiting lists. National will build a broadband network, reduce the wait caused by RMA to six months (!) and swap welfare for single mothers with welfare for farmers. National will maintain deficit spending until at least 2014 and have no plans to cut taxes or expenditure in the next term. Does support partial state asset sales and the re-introduction of a youth minimum wage.
Statist Rating: ***

Litia Simpson (Conservative) Her facebook page is full of Bible quotes so that should be a good indication of Ms. Simpson’s social views. Raise drinking age to 21 with more taxes and regulations on alcohol. Zero tolerance for drug use. No sale of state assets. Binding citizen’s referenda. Gets a bonus point with work for welfare policy.
Statist rating: ****

Wayne Young (Independent) It was difficult to find much policy information about Young who was made homeless when his apartment was affected by the Leaky Homes crisis. He is opposed to state asset sales and supports public provision of water.
Statist rating: ***

“It is my hope that this guide will be of assistance to those affected by the current media blackout on most of the candidates in Tamaki. It should prove especially useful to those who value their economic and personal liberty when they cast their vote on November 26.”

Voters should be under no illusion; there is only one candidate with a genuine commitment to liberty in Tamaki this election. That candidate is Independent, Stephen Berry.

Stephen Berry
Independent candidate, Tamaki
www.facebook.com/mrberrymrberry
www.stephenberry.webs.com

ENDS

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