You should not have to afford years of double-digit rate increases just because somebody else decides it. Enough is enough. Change is now inevitable and strong knowledgeable leadership is needed. I will right the ship and set a platform for future growth. We are in the doldrums. We need to recalibrate council to get cracking again. I commit to a full rating review, while insisting on first class delivery of core services alongside an immediate overhaul of all operational and capital project budgets. As a successful business owner, I instinctively understand opportunity, risk and reward. My record this term as a Councillor demonstrates my ability to bring change. Council needs to look after your money, then everything else falls into place. It's time. I am ready. Now I need your support to correct our ship's course. Policy listed at www.themayorsoffice.co.nz or call 021311656. Thanks, Max.
Yes
What?
The real question is ‘are the services delivering the best value for the rates’ The premise of reducing rates equates to lesser services is out of sync with the commercial reality that improvements can be made without costs growing exponentially.
Yes
What?
Without our energy sector we are consigned to be a rural backwater again. We simply cannot sit back and let this happen. An opportunity exists now to become a special economic zone. We must do whatever it takes to grasp this before it is too late.
Yes
Why?
This is not the ratepayers remit yet we have provided funding and assistance. A number of responsible government agencies would do well to step up with some assistance in real terms rather than endless meetings discussing how hard it is.
No
Why?
My research inclined towards a model of a Consumer Trust to own the assets and the Councils to run the services as needed. I do not have enough space here to outline the merits, however given it is decided already I am unsure why this is asked.
No
We need to ensure we are well prepared for all aspects of managing climatic events that occur. Planning for emergency events is well in hand with a team of well managed personnel in charge.
No
Why?
This is now too much with the ongoing cost pressures on us all. It needs to be managed in a way that ensures the contingency of around $7m is not needed to be spent. A case exists for the facility, but not at the cost of 50m. Same with Walkway extn.
No
Why?
Not like the last lot. We need to stop clogging up the intersections with concrete nightmares. Cycleways should not exist on busy arterial or state highway carriageways. Build them progressively as complementary to vehicular, not replacements for.
Remove
Why
I am not sure how this question meets the democratic concept of ballot box secrecy. How an individual votes is their own business. I support equal rights and always considered myself lucky to live in an egalitarian society. How far have we slipped.
We have an Events team that are well in tune with what is needed to be done. We have facilities, budgets, and sunshine hours. We need to let them get on with their job which in my view they do very well already.
Reducing annual rate increases to realistic and affordable levels by focusing on core services. Pushing for growth via as many means possible including new business incentives, fast tracking planning consents, public private partnerships.
