The war on drugs has failed:Conference of Mayors

"NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the United States Conference of Mayors believes the war on drugs has failed and calls for a New Bottom Line in U.S. drug policy, a public health approach that concentrates more fully on reducing the negative consequences associated with drug abuse, while ensuring that our policies do not exacerbate these problems or create new social problems of their own; establishes quantifiable, short- and long-term objectives for drug policy; saves taxpayer money; and holds state and federal agencies accountable..." U.S. mayors call for end to drug war

Nominations Now Open for Local Government Candidates

Christchurch City Council media release , 24 Jul 2007.

Now is your chance to give local politics a go and have a say in the future of your City. Nominations for candidates wishing to stand in this year's local authority elections have now opened.
The electoral officer (Max Robertson) says anyone wishing to stand as a candidate for the Christchurch City Council or for their local community board should get their nominations in now. Nominations close on Friday 24 August. "We are encouraging anyone who wants to make a difference in the local community to stand. After all, local government and local democracy are fundamental to our society giving the opportunity for everyone's voice to be heard. The mayor, councillors and community board members take on a leadership role in Christchurch representing the views of the community," Mr Robertson says.

"We need a range of elected members of different ages, ethnicities and backgrounds to represent the diversity of our community. Anyone over the age of 18 can stand for election as long as they are a New Zealand citizen and enrolled on the electoral roll."

Voting documents will be sent out from 21 September 2007 and must be mailed in time to reach the electoral officer by midday on Election Day, Saturday 13 October 2007. For further information on standing as a candidate, visit www.ccc.govt.nz/Elections/, www.elections.org.nz/local_elections_2007.html or contact Electoral Officer Max Robertson DDI 03-941-8533, mobile 027 229 1735 or max.robertson@ccc.govt.nz.