Issue 1. It’s all very well my saying that free wireless internet (wifi) is important to Wellington, but specifically, how do we go about it?
   For starters, the technology’s already there. Anyone walking around Wellington central with a mobile device has probably come across a signal.
   Here’s what I want to find a way to do for all of us in Wellington.
   We restrict this to the centre of the city to begin with. In fact, I see the trials on city property, such as the library and Civic Square.
   Secondly, there’s going to be a bandwidth cap, which I’m sure most of you can understand.
   Thirdly, it’ll be paid for by advertising[—on the log-in screen].
   As to privacy issues, I think anyone who knows the technology around this will argue that it’s no better or worse than the broadband that many of you have at home already.

Why do it?
It’s a no-brainer. It encourages more businesses to come to Wellington.
   Which means more jobs.
   And that means there’ll be more people paying rates—so on my watch, we can keep a check on the rates’ increases.
   It’s going to be great in terms of growing the city and bring revenue in.
   It also cements Wellington as the high-tech capital that many mayors and councils have said they want it to be—but have not done enough to realize it.
   And with Dunedin already beginning its trials, we’re going to be playing catch-up mode should I be elected. The difference is that at least I am a convert and have a proven record in tech and new ventures—so I’ll drive this in a big way.
   From my point-of-view, it’s either electing someone who’ll only give this lip service, or someone who gets it, and has a track record of understanding the benefits of the internet.
   Let’s start talking about it. On October 9, 2010, let’s do something about it.

Graphics’ time
If you feel this is important to you, too, please head over to my campaign site where we’ve made up some graphics.