The recent series of letters criticising the dubious 'City Partner” program must have hit a raw nerve judging by Mayor Crosby's indignant response last week.
Stuart would have us believe these altruistic partners fall over themselves to do good deeds for the ratepayers with the vague purpose of 'organisational giving”. If that is true I will appreciate the Mayor publicly telling us the reasons why these firms have to sign a contract with the Council to become a City Partner.
He claims tendering processes are strictly controlled and monitored and there are no behind closed door deals made, but is contradicted by the cosy 'preferred supplier” schemes run by the council where contracts, without the knowledge of the Councillors, are rolled-over at due date without the hassle of re-tendering and the risk of the incumbent losing the contract.
Mayor Crosby incorrectly assures us there are no secret meetings held at Tauranga City Council. All 'workshop” meetings are held in secret as are the annual three to four City Partner meetings with the Council.
Perry Harlen, Mount Maunganui.