Bob Clarkson's defection to the ACT Party is a huge slap in the face for the National Party. Anyone who is acquainted with Bob knows that although he is a little rugged around the edges he is an enormously successful businessman.
Not someone who inherited his wealth but someone who made it through hard toil a level head and learned by his mistakes. His knowledge of the building industry and the services that go with it are probably unparalleled in this city hence his nickname 'Bob The Builder”. As our member several years ago I contacted Bob regarding our street lights which had been burning day and nights for days at a time when the power companies were warning us the lakes were low and electricity precious.
He had the problem temporarily fixed within several hours something the Council, Trust Power and Powerco seemed reluctant to do. Besides this Bob has also contributed a considerable amount of money for support systems to help the Merivale people without asking for any public recognition. Mary Brookes should consider these factors before rushing into print criticising Bob.
With Christchurch lying in a pile of rubble and having to rebuilt he might just have more to offer the country at the moment than someone who seems to be obsessed with small dogs.
Margaret Hills, Tauranga.