Good job interviewers know that referees rule. I’m therefore incredibly grateful to the more than 60 Wellingtonians who offered endorsements, with their consent to give them to the job interviewers – i.e. the voting public.  They’ve earned the primary right to hold me to account as an MP.

Of course I’ve been touched by people who must be publicly neutral who’ve nevertheless gone out of their way with encouragement.

But public endorsement is humbling. Some people I’ve known for 30 years and some I’ve worked with on the campaign.  Some are young and idealistic and others have given more to Wellington in their generous and busy lifetimes than I could hope to achieve. 

The messages are here or under the button "What do Wellingtonians think of Stephen?"   These are the first five:

Stephen Franks is a wonderful Wellingtonian! He is vastly experienced commercially, but more importantly has a lovely family, is intelligent, passionate, honest and committed. Regardless of your political persuasion Wellington Central could not have a better MP to represent it in Parliament. Lloyd Morrison, businessman and arts and sports benefactor, Kelburn.

 I am confident that Stephen is the right person to represent our Wellington community.  I have always been impressed with how he takes time to listen, think and follow up to fully understand issues that need to be dealt with effectively. David Carson-Parker, arts patron and administrator, Mount Victoria.