It's been agonising sitting through three council meetings over the past few weeks watching democracy in inaction, elected members changing their stance in regard with what to do with 11 Mission Street. Obfuscating, vascillating, pontificating honed to a fine art as those in the middle sought middle ground where there was none. Mayor Greg Brownless did a good job refereeing a fiasco not of his making. Larry Baldock, Terry Molloy, Steve Morris and a much travelling Max Mason stuck to their guns, firmly committed to 11 Mission Street being given to Otamataha Trust. Mayor Greg Brownless, Catherine Stewart and John Robson were equally firm in wanting 11 Mission Street transferred to the Elms, the entity for which Council orginially purchased 11 Mission Street for. This is true - I was on the Council that bought the property for the Elms. Rick Curach, Bill Granger and Leanne Brown jumped from side to side depending on the motion and eventually wound up creating a bigger fiasco. Effectively they succeeded in creating a non-decision whereby 11 Mission Street will be transferred to a yet to be created entity made up of the Elms and the Otamataha Trust. This is a shotgun marriage that will satisfy nobody and is unlikely to work. This option was not part of the consultative process. Shameful stuff and no doubt opens the door to a judicial review. By the way Max Mason attended the three meetings by internet from Australia. He has not applied for leave of absence and is cycling across Australia whilst being paid by ratepayers it is presumed. Shameful stuff from him too, bearing in mind his holier than thou electoral rhetoric when he stood for election. Just like a lot seeking election now making all sorts of promises that they will never be able to keep.
Bill Faulkner, Tauranga.
0 comments
Leave a Comment
You must be logged in to make a comment.