Independent Citizens at the Riccarton Market, 23 September 2007

Independent Citizens Cavalcade

Riccarton Market Sunday 16 September

Riccarton Market, Sunday 16 September

What are the key issues facing the Canterbury DHB?

Where do I begin? Gridlock in ED, growing waiting lists, car parking, safety of staff and patients at risk with the current recurring code red situation. And then there is staff retention and recruitment, job satisfaction and professional development. The list is endless. What do those problems have in common and how can they be solved? Listen to frontline medical practitioners not the bureaucrats. It seems to me that most of the solutions to our health crisis are well understood by the doctors, surgeons, nurses etc but the increasing noise from the administrators and managers shuffling their paperwork drowns them out.

We also need to allow the public and private sector to work more cooperatively. The focus must be patient-care not the 'tick-box' bureaucratic approach. Conditions of work are vital. Happy staff equals happy patients. I will work towards getting a bigger bang for the buck.

I urge you to vote for the team of Independent Citizens and get the health system you deserve. We need to put patient's first - Beds before bureaucracy!.
Frankly you need A. Frank-Alexander

Some answers from Angelika Frank-Alexander, Independent Citizens Candidate for the Spreydon/ Heathcote Community Board: Would you actively pursue policies that would enable utility cycling to develop along the lines that have made it the transportation mode of choice for so many in Copenhagen?

I would explore all avenues to develop utility cycling. There are very good examples in Christchurch already of how an integrated approach of segregated cycle paths could look like. I will work towards more cycle facilities like the one in Thorrington Street. The other perfect example is the cycle path along the railway line which currently runs from near Hagley Park to Belfast. This path should be extended towards the south of the city. I had a long chat today with a well known city councillor and cycle advocate (she told me she has answered your questions already) and hope to make a difference if I am elected.Would you lobby to rescind the law that compels cyclists to wear helmets in order to make it discretionary on the rider?

I would lobby for a two tiered approach. I would lobby to have the law changed stating that wearing helmets is compulsory on roads but is not if cycling is off road, like cycle paths or footpaths.
Would you give preference to establishing a comprehensive network of cycle lanes over retaining curbside parking for cars?

I would give preference to segregated cycle facilities and cycle path, but don’t believe that the curbside parking needs to be compromised. If necessary the streets could be narrowed. All this has to go hand in hand with a better public transport system.Would you lobby to rescind the law which prohibits cyclists from using pavements ( at least as an interim measure for the years it will otherwise take to establish real separation from motorized vehicles)to enable 'slow' cyclists ( e.g.the elderly )to take up utility cycling.

Yes I would. I would also implement an information programme on the advantages of cycling in terms of health, reduction of pollution, traffic reduction and higher quality of life in the inner city.Would you actively work to set up a campaign to educate the pubic about and promote the types of bicycles and technologies appropriate to utility cycling?

I would certainly do that and lobby bicycle shops to carry a wider variety of bicycles, e.g. Holland bikes.Would you lobby for the installation of bike racks on ALL public transport vehicles ?

Yes I would and I would also lobby for more lockable facilities on public transport stations to store the bike securely whilst using public transport. (As done already at the bus exchange)Do you cycle yourself? - And if not at this stage in your life, what would it take to get you to take up 'utility' cycling in the future?
Yes definitely, I am the proud owner of a Holland bike which has higher handle bars and is sturdy enough to carry the shopping. I prefer these bikes over the trendier mountain bikes. I am however wary biking on big roads and I prefer, especially when I am with my 10year old son, to go on the footpath.Would you recommend that other people (children/ the elderly) cycle? Why? / Why not?Cycling is a great activity that keeps you fit, in touch with nature and your surroundings and most of all its fun

Angelika with mother Irene

what would we do without our family? Here my mother is assisting with one of my signs.

Angelika with Richard Dear and Helen Broughton

and another very successful Pub Evening. This time we met the locals at JackFlash Bar and Restaurant. Please check my Diary for future opportunities to meet the candidates