Councillor John Robson is correct that Tauranga City councillors should never have been considering, let alone approving, a commercial arrangement with a private company to build a hotel on city land – land belonging to all residents.
Councilor Larry Baldock is wrong when he says ratepayers will get value over time plus economic benefit. That is his arrogant personal view, unsubstantiated by fact. Some ratepayers may win handsomely; the majority will lose their subsidy as usual.
Tourism BOP is also incorrect in saying Tauranga wanted more accommodation. If Tauranga needed it, private enterprise would provide it. Any venture requiring a ratepayer subsidy is doomed to be a loss because a 'cost benefit' study would prove it unviable.
M O'Reilly, Tauranga.