I note in an online article that Mayor Greg Brownless is quoted as saying, 'change was needed, which required new leadership” (stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/112318063).

I can only agree. This most recent example of reported underperformance by their former chief executive begs the question, why did the current Mayor and councillors sit back allow this to go unchallenged? Tauranga residents deserve the respect of their councillors to govern effectively.

How is it acceptable for the existing councillors to have allowed this to continue during his tenure?

The standard one sets as the senior leader in any environment is the standard by which that organisation will perform – regardless of it being in the public or private sector. It needed addressing the moment it was discovered, not at the conclusion of a contractual review period.

No board of directors would allow this level of underperformance to go unchallenged. There appears to be a culture within the elected members that it is not their responsibility, instead they blame their staff. Leaders don't throw their staff under the bus. There are some very good, dedicated, people who work for the Tauranga City Council. They deserve better leadership – as does the city of Tauranga.

Tenby Powell (mayoral candidate)